Raleigh, NC -  The steady improvement of the Shaw University softball team was on display Friday on the opening day of the CIAA Round-Up event as the Lady Bears fought hard but fell just short in both games played Friday afternoon. Shaw fell to JCSU 13-5 followed by a slim defeat to WSSU 6-5. Both games were played at the Walnut Creek Softball Complex. 

Game 1

The Lady Bears (0-13, 0-2 CIAA) jumped out to an early 5-1 lead after two complete before a rough third inning saw the Golden Bulls tack on five runs followed by six runs in the fourth to blow open the contest eventually scoring 13 straight runs for the eight-run win. The Lady Bears were limited to just 7 hits while committing six errors which allowed the JCSU scoring run. Regina DeDecker led the Shaw offense going 3-3 during the game. Destiny Beckham followed with two hits before leaving the game with an injury while the Lady Bears were ahead. 

Game 2

The second contest of the day mirrored the first as Shaw again raced out to an early lead of 4-0 after three innings. The Rams sliced into the Lady Bears lead adding three runs with two outs in the third inning followed by adding single runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth inning mainly with two outs. Shaw would rally in the bottom of the seventh with the tying run on third base, but the final out would be called at the plate being ruled throw interference allowing the Rams to escape with the one-run win. 

Shaw returns to action Saturday, March 26 as they face Claflin at 12:30 pm followed by rival Saint Augustine's at 5:30 pm.