ORANGEBURG, SC --- The Bowie State softball team (26-18) couldn't overcome Claflin's early 3-0 lead, falling 5-2 in game one of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Softball Championship at Orangeburg Recreation Park Saturday afternoon.

Freshman Sydney Seals got the start for Bowie State and was charged with the loss. The right-hander pitched five innings, allowing one run on three hits, with one walk and six strikeouts.

At the plate, sophomore Taylor Dawkins led the Bulldogs, going 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs. Junior Coreena Dunham added a solid effort, finishing 1-for-4 with a triple, while fellow sophomore Ryalee Dillard contributed a double in her lone at-bat.

The Matchup
The Bulldogs trailed 3-0 in the sixth inning before Dawkins put them on the board with a two-run homer to left field. However, they couldn't close the gap, as Claflin added two more runs to secure a 5-2 victory.

Game Notes
» Bowie State's highest scoring inning was the sixth, when it pushed two runs across.
» BSU's pitching staff faced 32 Claflin hitters in the game, allowing six ground balls and eight fly balls while striking out six.
» Dawkins led the Bulldogs at the plate, going 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI.

The Finale
Bowie State and Claflin will meet for the final time at 4 p.m. with the championship title on the line. 

For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 13 varsity sport teams, visit bsubulldogs.com.