WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Howard University softball team was stunned in five innings as Hampton handed out a 13-1 loss on Sunday afternoon at the National Youth Academy.

Imani Ballard was a perfect 3-for-3 on the day as she led the team in hits and recorded the lone RBI.

Alex Flynn went 2-for-2 while Alannah Baiyina and Kamryn Tillman tallied one hit each. Milan Poindexter posted one hit and one run for the Bison. As a team, Howard notched eight hits and two errors.

Pitcher Alexa Walker was tagged with her eighth loss after 1.0 innings of work, in which she allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits and three walks. Flynn tossed 4.0 innings of relief but couldn't stop the bleeding for Howard as she gave up nine hits, eight runs (seven earned), three walks and two strikeouts.

Hampton (8-13, 3-0 MEAC) had the hot bats from the opening frame as it combined for eight runs in the first and second innings.

The Bison (0-19, 0-3 MEAC) started to get their offense going in the bottom of the third as they tallied four hits. Howard had a chance to get on the board after loading the bases on three singles but couldn't drive in a run.

After keeping the Lady Pirates scoreless in the top of the fourth, the Bison were finally able to score. With two outs and two on, Ballard singled to the shortstop and Poindexter sprinted home for the tally.

Unfortunately, Hampton added four more runs in the fifth for the final decision, 13-1.

Ballard hit .600 on her way to six hits, including two doubles and a home run, and two RBI during the three-game series with Hampton. She is currently on a nine-game hitting streak and has gotten on base in each of the last nine outings.

UP NEXT: Howard will continue MEAC action when it visits Morgan State next weekend. The Bison will play a doubleheader on Saturday, Apr. 1 starting at 1 p.m. before closing the series with a single game on Sunday, Apr. 2 at noon.