HEPHZIBAH, Ga. - Tuskegee's late rally falls short as Claflin defeated the Golden Tigers 3-2 Thursday afternoon at Diamond Lakes Park in first round action of the SIAC Softball Championship.

TU trailed 2-0 in the 5th inning when Jasmine Synder hit an RBI single to center-field scoring Tamia O'neal making the score 2-1.  Both Synder and O'neal are former teammates from Opelika High School.

In the top of the 6th with bases loaded, Tuskegee tied the at game 2-2 with a fielder's choice scoring O'neal.  Claflin responded with a run of its own in the bottom of the 6th regaining the lead at 3-2 to round out the scoring.

The Golden Tigers will face Kentucky state in an elimination game Friday at 10:00 a.m. ET.  The game will be carried live on the Tuskegee Digital Network.