Box Score
Augusta, Ga.—Kentucky State University softball dropped the first game of the SIAC Championship Tournament 3-2 to Clark Atlanta University on Thursday morning at Diamond Lakes Regional Park.

The Thorobreds (15-20, 8-5) will now be playing for their playoff lives through the duration of double elimination SIAC Championship tournament. Next up, KSU will face off with fellow western division rival Tuskegee University on Friday morning at 10 am.

CAU started off hot accounting for two runs in the opening frame against freshman starting pitcher Chante Thome. As the morning continued, Thome settled in waiting for the Thorobred's lineup to answer.

In the bottom of the fourth senior third baseman, Katelyn Drake reached on an error, and fellow senior first baseman Kaitlin Oshiro followed with a single to left field. Drake advanced to third on an error by the left fielder. Oshiro later advanced to second on a groundout by Thome. With runners on second and third, senior designated hitter Keyanna Dunn smacked a single to right field for two RBIs, tying the game at 2-2.

In the bottom of the seventh and the game still tied at 2-2, senior center fielder Tyniesha Wilson reached after being hit by a pitch. After advancing to second on a fielder's choice and stealing third, Wilson sat 60 feet away as the winning run. Junior second baseman Brittney Gately hit a dribbler back the pitcher's circle, resulting in a play at the plate with Wilson being called out sending KSU and CAU to extra innings.

In the top of the ninth, the Lady Pathers took a 3-2 lead as they collected three hits, claiming the win over the No. 2 seeded Thorobrettes.

Gateley and Oshiro led KSU as each notched multi-hit games, going 2-for-4 from the plate.