Today’s doubleheader softball game between Shaw and Virginia State was a rematch of last year’s CIAA Championship, which Shaw won.  Even though both teams came in undefeated in the CIAA’s eastern division this doubleheader didn’t have the luster that last year’s match-up did as Shaw pounded Virginia State 8-0 and 13-4, both games in five innings at Sanderford Road Park. 

Shonda Welch (6-5) was the story in game one as she threw her first no-hitter of the season.  She went five innings walking three and striking out six.  She also helped her cause going 3-for-3 at the plate with 1 RBI and one run scored.  Tanesha Haynes went 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored and Felicia Sprattley was 2-for-3 with an RBI and three runs scored.

In game two, Virginia State jumped out to a 2-0 first-inning lead on a two-run homerun by Tiya Hines.  The Lady Bears came right back in their half of the first scoring eight runs and breaking the game wide open.  Sprattley (7-4) went five innings giving up two earned runs on three hits, walking four and striking out three.  She was 3-for-3 with 4 RBI and four runs scored.  Catcher Branda Best was 2-for-2 with 4 RBI.

With the sweep the Lady Bears clinch the eastern division crown.

Shaw will host western division leader Winston-Salem State tomorrow in doubleheader action at 1:00 p.m. at Sanderford Road Park.