Winston-Salem State Advances to CIAA Softball Finals

A four-run first inning set the stage for Winston-Salem State's journey to the CIAA Softball Championship Game, as the Rams outlasted Bowie State 7-5 in a nail-biting semifinal Friday in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

The Rams came out swinging, scoring four runs before Bowie State could settle in. They added insurance runs in the fourth inning and built what looked like a comfortable 7-2 lead heading into the final frame.

But Bowie State's Bulldogs had other plans. In the bottom of the seventh, they mounted a furious rally, scoring three runs and bringing the tying run to the plate with timely hitting that had the crowd on its feet.

That's when pitcher Jyla Thomas showed her championship mettle. Despite walking five batters throughout the game, she stayed calm under pressure and forced the final out to seal the victory for Winston-Salem State.

Thomas pitched all seven innings, working through multiple tight spots while her defense played error-free ball behind her. The Rams made the most of their opportunities, drawing nine walks and capitalizing on two Bowie State errors to manufacture crucial runs.

Layla Smith crossed home plate twice for the Rams, while Koralie Morin kept her hot tournament streak alive with two hits. Riley Demers added a key RBI as Winston-Salem State's balanced attack proved too much for the Bulldogs to overcome.

Why This Inspires

This game showcased everything great about college softball: early momentum, late drama, and champions who refuse to fold under pressure. Both teams played with heart, but Winston-Salem State's combination of aggressive early offense and clutch pitching when it mattered most earned them a shot at the title.

The Rams now face Claflin University on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. for the CIAA championship, ready to compete for the crown with the confidence of a team that knows how to win close games.