SALISBURY, Maryland- Howard University softball opened conference play as they traveled to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore over the weekend. The two teams expected to play a three-game set, but the first and third matches were postponed to a later date, to be determined.

With the series limited, the Bison went victorious in game one, 7-5. Howard jumped to an early two-run lead as Camille Navarro and Xzarria Simmons contributed RBI hits. Simmons and Sienna Herrera each drove in a run in the third and Kalita Dennis added an RBI single in the fourth. With the Bison up 5-3 in the fifth inning, Simmons hit a solo home run to right field. Dennis went deep the following inning with a solo shot.

"I am proud of the way we competed in the box. We hit the ball well," said head coach Tori Tyson.

The middle of the lineup trio of Dennis, Navarro and Simmons combined to go 8-for-12 with six runs scored. Trinity Gibbs had a two-hit game, scoring the only other run for Howard.

Mackenzi Steele earned the win after tossing 5.1 innings, allowing two earned runs and striking out four.

In game two the Hawks led, 7-6, before having to prematurely postpone due to low lighting. The Bison led 6-3 heading into the bottom of the fifth inning, before allowing four runs in that frame. The Bison offense recorded nine hits. Dennis and Mackenzie Soper each hit home runs, while Navarro and Herrera recorded two hits individually.

"Defensively and with pitching we struggled to minimize the damage in big innings. But I look forward to resuming the game and completing the series," said Tyson. The postponed dates will be rescheduled and announced at a later time.

The Bison will return home with a three-game MEAC series against Delaware State scheduled for  March 30-31. They will play a doubleheader on Saturday with games set for 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The series will conclude with a noon game on Sunday.

About Howard University Athletics
The Howard University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics sponsors 19 NCAA Division I men and women varsity sports. The programs represent six conferences: the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association (CCSA), Sun Belt Conference, Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) and Atlantic Sun (ASUN) Conference. Visit www.hubison.com to learn more.