WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - For the second year in a row, the Winston-Salem State University softball team advanced to the semifinals of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) championships after defeating Elizabeth City State University Tuesday afternoon at Twin City Ballfields.

It took two games, but after the Rams won the second game 8-5, they moved to 20-12 (12-4 CIAA).

In game one, ECSU won 4-3 and Camdyn Peck was the winning pitcher. The Vikings got on board first scoring in the top of the first inning to take a 1-0 lead. Taisha Bratton hit a home run in the bottom of the fourth inning to tie the game at 1-1. The Rams took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the fifth, but the Vikings answered back with three runs in the top of the seventh to take a 4-2 lead. WSSU scored one more run in the bottom of the seventh, but the Vikings secured the win.

In game two, WSSU took an early 1-0 lead after Teanna Davis hit a home run in the bottom of the first. Karma Fields answered with a homer to tie the game at 1-1. ESCU ended the inning with a 2-1 lead. WSSU answered in the bottom of the third with two more runs to take a 3-2 lead. After three innings the Rams took an 8-2 lead. ECSU answered with runs in the top of the sixth and seventh, but it was it not enough as WSU secured the 8-5 victory.
Alicia Carrington pitched one inning with two strikeouts and Julie Mannor threw six innings with one strikeout to take the victory.

WSSU will take on Claflin on Friday, May 5th at 12:30 p.m. in the Semifinals round of the CIAA Championships in Glen Allen, Virginia.