ETTRICK, VA - Playing in their first season as a member of the CIAA, Chowan's softball team staked claim to the 2010 CIAA Softball Championship with an 11-5 win over three-time defending champions, Bowie State University. The Hawks pounded out 15 hits in the game with Fahren Munro going 4-4 at the plate with three runs scored. Munro was named the tournament's MVP and to the All Tournament Team. Early on the game was tight, tied through three innings of play. Chowan exploded for ten runs in their final three at-bats to cruise to the 11-5 win and first-ever CIAA Softball Championship. 

The Lady Bulldogs got on the board first in the game after Beth Slater homered to left field. Chowan tied the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the second inning after a Brooke Owen double. Owen later scored on an infield error to knot the game at 1-1. 

The Hawks exploded for four runs in the bottom of the 4th inning to take a 5-1 lead over the Lady Bulldogs, then added six runs in their final two at-bats to cruise to the 11-5 win. 

Munro led Chowan's offensive attack with four hits on the day while Ashley Huffman was 2-4 with three RBI. Tricia Gorman was 2-4 with two runs knocked in and Brooke Owen was 3-4 with a run scored. Alex Allen also had two hits in the win. 

Jessica Farmer picked up her 10th win of the season on the mound after coming in for relief of Lacey Wildeboer. Farmer tossed six innings, scattering ten hits and four runs for the win. 

The Hawks get an automatic berth to the NCAA Atlantic Regional Tournament in May with today's championship win. More information will be released on the location and dates on the tournament in the coming weeks. Tricia Gorman, Christie Wright, Brooke Owen, and Fahren Munro were all named to the All Tournament Team.

Next up for Chowan is West Liberty State University on Saturday.