WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Winston-Salem State University softball team advanced to the semifinals of the CIAA championships tomorrow, Friday, May 5th at the RF&P Park in Glen Allen, Virginia.

Things To Know:
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Location: Glen Allen, Va. (RF&P Park)
Media: Watch Live Stats Bracket

Ram Returners:
The Rams brought back six returners from last year's team, sophomores, Tymiah Wimbush, Malia Simmons, Chantis Mitchell, Alycia Cunningham, and seniors Kamryn Kirby and Teanna Davis.

Rams Newcomers:
The Rams welcomed freshmen Aniyah Jackson, Alicia Carrington, Taylor Mitchell, Ahmiya Laboy, Emma Eckhart, Zahirah Williams, sophomore Taylor Hillard, juniors Julie Manners, Taisha Bratton, Sierra Crocker, and Alea'ah Graham during the off-season.

Last Time Out:
It took two games, but WSSU advanced to the semifinals after defeating Elizabeth City in the quarterfinals on Tuesday, May 2nd. After falling in game one 4-3, they won game two 8-5.

CIAA Preseason:
Malia Simmons was named to the Preseason CIAA All-Conference Softball team. Overall, the Rams were selected to finish sixth in the conference and third in the southern division.

CIAA Weekly Awards:
Aniyah Jackson was named CIAA Rookie of the Week for week eight. She had a great week helping the Rams sweep St. Augustine's with an 18-2 and 15-2 victory. In game one she went 3-for-3 with one triple and five RBIs. In game two, she scored 1-for-4 with a triple, RBI, and scored three runs.
For week five, Sierra Cocker was named CIAA Offensive and Pitcher Player of the Week. In the circle, for both games, Crocker pitched a total of 5.2 innings with five strikeouts. She earned the save in the first game and started the second game for the Rams. While hitting for the Rams she had two runs on three hits, one triple, one home run, and five RBIs. She also recorded two assists.
Kamryn Kirby was named CIAA Defensive Player of the Week for week four, playing in center field for the Rams, Kam totaled 12 put-outs and three assists defensively for the Rams. She helped the team finish 6-2 for the week, including going 4-2 during the CIAA roundup. Offensively, she also totaled four runs, one double, and an RBI.

CIAA Post-Season
Winston-Salem State led the conference with nine All-CIAA selections, including the Rookie and Coach of the Year.
Aniyah Jackson was named to the All-Rookie Team, and First Team, and was named the Rookie of the Year. In her first season as interim head coach, Tiffany Massey was named the Coach of the Year. Also, on the first team was Taisha Bratton and Alycia Cunningham, On the All-CIAA Second Team was Malia Simmons and Sierra Crocker. Joining Jackson on the All-CIAA Rookie team was Alicia Carrington.

Scouting Report:
Claflin University enters Championship weekend as the number two seed after knocking out Johnson C. Smith, 5-0 on Tuesday in the quarterfinals round. After that game, the Panthers improved to 29-10 overall.