RALEIGH, N.C. - Shaw's softball team opened conference play over the weekend, splitting the six games they played against opponents from the Northern Division of the CIAA.  The Lady Bears went 3-3 at the CIAA Softball Roundup held Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Walnut Creek Softball Complex.

The Lady Bears opened their conference play by winning three straight, then closed out the roundup with three straight losses.

On the opening day of the roundup, Shaw defeated Virginia Union with an impressive 22-14 offensive outburst.  They then downed the Lady Vikings of Elizabeth City State 12-8.

Saturday, the Lady Bears defeated Lincoln (PA) 12-9 before collecting their first conference loss on the season by losing to Bowie 7-3.

On Sunday, Shaw lost to both Chowan and Virginia State with 10-5 and 9-5 tallies, respectively.

Three different pitchers got the wins for the Lady Bears.  Kashia Hemphill took the victory against Virginia Union.  Keyunna White and Daniela Archibold won over ECSU and Lincoln, respectively.

Offensively, Erica Lafrades was the star, hitting .545 on a 12 for 22 weekend.  She scored 12 runs and drove in another six.  She also walked five times and stole two bases. 

Sheniqua Fahie was 10 for 21 over the six games, hitting .476, scoring six runs and driving in nine.  She was four for four for steal attempts.

Courtnee Kelly drove in 11 runs with six hits in 20 at bats, four walks and one stolen base.

With the wins, Shaw improves to 4-15 on the season and they are 3-3 in the CIAA.

The Lady Bears return to action on Tuesday when they host Mansfield at the Walnut Creek Softball Complex.  The doubleheader begins at 1:00 p.m.