WINSTON-SALEM, NC – The Winston-Salem State Rams (1-6) could not quite overcome a slow start when the team took a 15-6 five-inning loss to the Claflin Lady Panthers (3-3). After allowing seven runs in the first three innings and committing five errors in the game, the Rams could not quite get enough offense to pull out the win.

As a team, the Rams had a solid offensive effort. The team scored six runs and totaled six hits, but the Rams were hampered by five fielding errors in the loss. Senior pitcher Chyna Riley led the Rams' offensive attack with a two-for-four performance at the plate with a run scored and an RBI. Freshman third base Sydnee Brown recorded three RBI on a one-of-three effort at the plate with a run scored. Freshman Daijah Chambers added a double.

Things got tough early for the Rams, but the team staged a strong comeback. The Rams allowed four first inning runs to the Lady Panthers, but answered with a first inning run of their own when Brown hit an RBI single that scored Chambers and left the Rams trailing, 4-1. After allowing a pair of second inning runs and another third inning run, the Rams answered in a big way in the bottom of the third inning. Riley started things when she hit an RBI single that scored Chambers. Brown added a three-RBI performance when a dropped fly ball by the Panthers allowed Riley and sophomore Jasmine Holloman to score. Sophomore infielder Tiarra Delaney hit an RBI single that scored Brown and cut the WSSU deficit down to two runs, 7-5. The Rams allowed three more fourth inning runs to fall behind, 10-5 before Chambers hit an RBI double that scored senior Katherine Zimmer and pulled the Rams to within four runs, 10-6. From there, the Rams allowed five runs to the Lady Panthers. The Rams went scoreless in the bottom of the fifth inning to take the loss.

Riley (0-2) took the pitching loss, starting the game and going an inning with two runs allowed (two earned). Zimmer came in for an inning and allowed three runs (three earned) and added a strikeout. Senior Mercedes Hargett threw three innings, allowing eight runs (eight earned) with a strikeout.

With the loss, the Rams fall to 1-6 overall. The team will return to action next Thursday when the team heads to Mount Olive, N.C. to take on the Mount Olive Trojans. For more information on Rams softball, contact the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations at (336) 750-2143 or log on to www.WSSURams.com.