WINSTON-SALEM, NC – The Winston-Salem State Rams (12-29, 8-6 CIAA) broke out for a critical 8-0 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Southern Division win over the Shaw Lady Bears (6-28, 4-11 CIAA), Thursday evening. The Rams combined some strong offense with some stellar defense to claim the five-inning shutout victory.

The Rams took the win behind a great day at the plate. The team combined for 10 hits in the game. Sophomore centerfielder Destiny Snipes led the way for the Rams, going three-for-three at the plate a double, a home run, and two RBI in the game. Joining her in the day were senior third base Rebecca Demko and senior left fielder Chyna Riley who were both two-for-three at the plate. Demko recorded a double with a run scored and an RBI while Riley added a double, a triple, and an RBI. Senior pitcher Mercedes Hargett added a home run as well.

As a team, the Rams scored early and often in the game with runs scored in four of the five innings played. The first struck in the first inning when Demko hit an RBI double that scored sophomore second base Jasmine Holloman and left the Rams up 1-0 after the first inning. In the second inning, junior outfielder Anna Marino hit an RBI sacrifice bunt that scored Snipes. The effort was followed by an RBI groundout from Holloman that scored freshman short stop Daijah Chambers and gave the Rams a 3-0 second inning lead. It was in the third inning that the Rams truly broke things out when the team scored five runs. Hargett started things off with a two-run home run while Snipes added a two-run homer of her own. Riley closed out the inning with an RBI double that scored Marino and capped the Rams' 8-0 victory. From there, the Rams continued their shutout defensive effort to clinch the win.

Hargett (9-19) got the pitching victory behind a stellar performance. She pitched all five innings and allowed just one hit to the Lady Bears in the victory. She finished the game with two strikeouts and just one walk allowed.

With the win, the Rams improve to 12-29 overall and 8-6 in CIAA play. More importantly, the Rams improve to 5-4 in CIAA Southern Division play and solidify their claim to the fourth spot in the division. The Rams and the Lady Bears would go on to complete the doubleheader later in the day.

For more information on Rams softball, contact the WSSU Office of Athletic Media Relations at (33^) 750-2143 or log on to www.WSSURams.com.