RALEIGH, N.C. – March 26-28, 2026 -The Lincoln University (PA) softball team put together a competitive showing at the CIAA Round-Up this week, picking up multiple wins while showcasing offensive firepower and strong pitching performances across a busy slate of games.
Game 1: Lincoln 12, Johnson C. Smith 11
Lincoln opened the weekend with a high-scoring thriller, edging Johnson C. Smith 12-11 behind a dominant offensive performance.
The Lions jumped out early, scoring five runs in the first two innings, highlighted by a three-run home run from Ashley Stringer (Coatesville, PA/Coatesville High School). Lincoln added six more runs in the third inning to take control, with key contributions from Oaklyn Johnson (Baltimore, MD), Samiah Smith (Greenbelt, MD), and Hayley Lawson (Laurel, DE).
Despite a seven-run fourth inning from Johnson C. Smith that tightened the game, Lincoln remained composed. With the score tied in the seventh, Stringer delivered again with a sacrifice fly to bring home the game-winning run.
Stringer finished with five RBIs, while Lawson added three hits and Smith drove in two runs.
Game 2: Lincoln 0, Claflin 9
Lincoln was held in check offensively in its second game, falling 9-0 to Claflin.
Amari Frederick (Woodbridge, VA) led the Lions with a pair of hits, while Ajah McDowell (Atlanta, GA/Druid Hills High School) and Ashlynn Sherman (Coatesville, PA/Coatesville High School) also recorded hits. Claflin capitalized on early opportunities and used aggressive baserunning to build a lead that Lincoln could not overcome.
Game 3: Lincoln 5, Shaw 3
The Lions bounced back with a strong all-around performance in a 5-3 win over Shaw.
Lincoln scored early with two runs in the first inning and added two more in the second to build momentum. Jordin Cathey (Long Beach, CA/Gahr High School) led the way with three RBIs, while Ashley Stringer (Coatesville, PA/Coatesville High School) recorded two hits and Aliya Rose (Lutherville, Md./Maryvale Preperatory) added a key RBI.
Chloe Foster (Dresher, Pa./Upper Dublin) earned the complete game victory in the circle, allowing three runs while keeping Shaw off balance throughout.
Game 4: Lincoln 4, Fayetteville State 3 (8 Innings)
In one of the most competitive games of the weekend, Lincoln secured a 4-3 extra-inning victory over Fayetteville State.
After trailing early, the Lions responded with a solo home run from Stringer and key RBIs from Samiah Smith (Greenbelt, MD) and Amari Frederick (Woodbridge, VA) to take the lead. Fayetteville State tied the game late, but Lincoln answered in the eighth inning as Jordin Cathey (Long Beach, CA/Gahr High School) delivered the game-winning RBI.
Breylin Gamble (Menifee, CA) was outstanding in the circle, tossing a complete game and allowing just one earned run over eight innings.
Game 5: Lincoln 1, Winston-Salem State 3
Lincoln closed the round-up with a 3-1 loss to Winston-Salem State.
Ashlynn Sherman (Coatesville, PA/Coatesville High School) provided the lone run for the Lions with a solo home run. Lincoln was limited to three hits on the day, while Winston-Salem capitalized on key opportunities in the middle innings.
Game 6: Lincoln 8, Livingstone 3
The Lions responded with a strong performance in their final game, defeating Livingstone 8-3.
Lincoln jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning and never looked back. Breylin Gamble (Menifee, CA) had a standout performance, going 4-for-4 at the plate with four runs scored while also earning the win in the circle.
Cici Bullock (Frederick, MD) added three hits and three RBIs, while Hayley Lawson (Laurel, DE) and Leinayiah Jex (Silver Spring, Md./John F. Kennedy) each contributed multiple hits in the victory.
Up Next
Lincoln (PA) will look to build on its momentum as it returns to conference play in the coming week.
