HBCU ORIGINAL
Claflin Claims 2026 CIAA Baseball Series Title with 24–0 Win Over Virginia State
Claflin University secured the 2026 CIAA Baseball Series Championship in dominant fashion, defeating Virginia State University 24–0 in the title game in Ettrick, Virginia.
The Panthers capped off a strong three-day run that included an early 5–4 win over Virginia State and a thrilling 7–6 walk-off victory over Bluefield State. Their championship performance sealed the series in emphatic style.
Virginia State fought its way back through the elimination bracket after its opening loss, beating Lincoln University 5–2 and then overpowering Bluefield State 15–5 to earn another shot at Claflin in the final. However, the championship rematch was one-sided as Claflin delivered a commanding performance to close out the tournament.
Bluefield State opened the series with a narrow 4–3 win over Lincoln (PA) before falling in elimination play.
All-Series Standouts
The All-Series Team featured 12 players across all participating schools, with Claflin leading the way with four selections. The Panthers were highlighted by Series MVP Neo Drew.
Notable selections included:
- Neo Drew (Claflin) — Series MVP
- Christian Hill (Claflin)
- Devon Whitehead (Claflin)
- Leslie Johnson (Claflin)
- Antonio Boone (Virginia State)
- Hector Rivera (Virginia State)
- Gavin Stevens (Virginia State)
- Jade Greenidge (Lincoln PA)
- Fred Perry (Lincoln PA)
- Anderson Moreno (Bluefield State)
- Grayson Peel (Bluefield State)
- James Germosen (Bluefield State)
