SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Tuskegee softball team kicked off their 2025 campaign with a dominant showing at the SIAC/CIAA HBCU Classic, securing two victories to start the season on a high note.
Tuskegee opened the day with a commanding 5-1 win over Elizabeth City State before edging out Shaw in a nail-biting 8-7 thriller to wrap up their first day of play.
Game 1: Tuskegee 5, Elizabeth City State 1
The Golden Tigers wasted no time establishing control in their season opener, striking first in the top of the first inning when Alexis Thompson delivered an RBI double to right center, scoring Alarryn Beckley for an early 1-0 lead.
After a scoreless stretch through the middle innings, Tuskegee extended its lead in the fourth when Kaeley Roldan drew a bases-loaded walk, bringing home Payton Dunham to make it 2-0. Moments later, Jessica Morales lined out to left field, but it was deep enough to score another run, giving the Golden Tigers a 3-0 cushion.
Tuskegee sealed the game in the seventh, adding two more insurance runs. Nylah Strange-Lindley led off with a triple and later scored on a bunt groundout from Martha Hurt. The final run came off a double from Ava Merideth, bringing Caroline Clark across the plate.
The defensive effort was anchored by pitcher Monica Rose, who delivered a complete-game gem. Rose (1-0) went the full seven innings, allowing just one run on five hits while striking out seven batters.
Elizabeth City State managed to plate a lone run in the bottom of the seventh when Kelli Fields knocked in a run with a single, but the Golden Tigers remained in control to close out the victory.
Key Statistics:
- Tuskegee Hitting: 10 hits, led by Alexis Thompson (3-for-3, RBI, BB), Ava Merideth (1-for-3, RBI, BB), and Kaeley Roldan (1-for-2, RBI, 2 BB).
- Tuskegee Pitching: Monica Rose – 7.0 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K.
- Elizabeth City State Hitting: 5 hits, Kelli Fields (1-for-2, RBI).
Game 2: Shaw 9, Tuskegee 8
The Golden Tigers carried their momentum into the second matchup of the day, jumping out to a commanding 4-0 lead in the top of the first.
Caroline Clark ignited the offense with a grand slam over the left field fence, scoring
Shawna McNair, Beckley, and Thompson to put Tuskegee ahead early.
Tuskegee added three more runs in the third inning. After a defensive miscue by Shaw allowed Thompson to reach base, Clark continued her stellar day with a single to keep the rally alive.
A fielder's choice from McNair brought in another run before Strange-Lindley drew a bases-loaded walk to score another. McNair later crossed the plate on a passed ball, extending the lead to 7-0.
Shaw mounted a comeback attempt, scoring two runs in the third and adding another in the fourth to trim the deficit to 7-3. The Bears staged a furious rally in the sixth inning, scoring four runs on a combination of timely hits and Tuskegee miscues, tying the game at 7-7 heading into the final frame.
With the game on the line in the top of the seventh, the Golden Tigers capitalized on a Shaw defensive mistake. Dunham reached on an error and advanced into scoring position before McNair grounded out, bringing Dunham home for the go-ahead run.
However, Shaw battled back, loading the bases before an RBI single to tie the game, followed by another for the game-winning run in the bottom of the seventh.
Tuskegee pitcher
Kamya Hampton (0-1) worked through the final inning to secure the win, going six innings while allowing seven runs (five earned) on six hits with five strikeouts.
Key Statistics:
- Tuskegee Hitting: 7 hits, led by Caroline Clark (2-for-3, HR, 4 RBI), Shawna McNair (1-for-3, 2 RBI), and Jessica Morales (2-for-4, 2B).
- Tuskegee Pitching: Kamya Hampton – 6.0 IP, 6 H, 7 R (5 ER), 2 BB, 5 K.
- Shaw Hitting: 6 hits, K. Walker (2-for-4, 2 RBI), E. Lapena (2-for-4, 3 RBI).
With the two victories, Tuskegee starts the season at 2-0 and will look to continue their strong showing as the SIAC/CIAA HBCU Classic continues throughout the weekend. The Golden Tigers will return to action tomorrow, facing two more opponents in hopes of maintaining their early-season momentum.
How to Follow the Golden Tigers: For complete information on Tuskegee Golden Tigers Softball, visit GoldenTigerSports.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
