NORFOLK, Va. – The Howard University softball team erupted for six runs in the first inning on its way to a 9-2 victory over Norfolk State in game two of a MEAC doubleheader on Saturday afternoon. The Bison fell in five innings by a score of 8-0 to start the day at NSU Softball Field.

Howard moved its overall record to 2-26 and 2-10 in the MEAC. NSU went to 4-8 in the conference and 11-19 overall.

GAME ONE: Norfolk State 8, Howard 0 (5)

The Spartans held the Bison to just four hits while connecting on 11 hits to take the first game. NSU was aggressive in the fourth to score five runs to put the contest out of reach for HU.

Pitcher Alexa Walker (0-12) was handed the setback after giving up eight runs (five earned) in 4.2 innings with two strikeouts. Walker and Howard's defense managed to keep the NSU off the board before the Spartans stole home in the bottom of the third.

NSU tacked on five runs in the fourth and two in the fifth on a three-run homer and a set of RBI singles to enforce the eight-run rule for the win.

Alex Flynn, Milan Poindexter, Jasmine Gibson and Deja Henderson each tallied a hit for the Bison, including a triple by Poindexter.

GAME TWO: Howard 9, Norfolk State 2

Howard had the hot bats out of the gate with four home runs in the opening frame to turn the tables on NSU.

Taking the first pitch of the game, Alex Flynn smashed the ball over the fence to open the scoring. After Alannah Baiyina reached on a fielding error by the shortstop, Kamryn Tillman homered down the left field line. Imani Ballard followed up with a solo shot and Chloe Lyon blasted a two-run homer over center field for a commanding 6-0 lead.

The Bison tacked on another run in the third as Milan Poindexter singled through the left side before stealing second. With two outs, Jasmine Gibson singled to bring Poindexter in.

NSU was able to avoid a shutout thanks to runs scored on a fielder's choice in the third and sac fly in the fifth. However, Brooklyn Emory's single in the fifth and Tillman's double in the sixth added two runs for the final tally.

Tillman thrived as she went 3-for-3 and drove in a trio of runs. Flynn (2-8) struck out two batters and allowed two runs on four hits in 4.1 innings in the circle. Alexa Walker tossed 2.2 innings in relief for just one hit.  

Howard will take a break from MEAC action for a nonconference doubleheader at Towson on Wednesday, Apr. 3. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.