HAMPTON, Ga. -- In the final scheduled game of the day in the opening round action of the 2012 SIAC Softball Championship, Claflin held on for a 6-3 win over Benedict in an divisional rematch on Thursday.

Claflin scored two runs in the top of the first inning as Markea Sheppard hit a two-run blast.  Benedict answered in the bottom of the second as both Cecelia Lykes and Dyketia Gregg each had RBI singles.

In the fourth, Claflin plated three runs, two coming on a fielder's choice by Emily Arnold.  Claflin would add another in the top of the sixth inning as Sheppard connected on her second blast of the contest.

Melissa Weeks would hit a home run in the bottom of the seventh inning, cutting the deficit to 6-3.

Benedict (26-20) will face Paine (14-20) in an elimination contest Friday at 11 am.  Claflin will take on Stillman Friday afternoon.