WASHINGTON - Howard University Softball opened their three-game series against the Morgan State Bears with a doubleheader on Saturday. The Bison won the series opener 5-4 in eight innings.

The Bears jumped to an early start, scoring three runs in the third inning and a run in the fourth. Down 4-0 halfway through the fourth inning, the Bison cut the deficit to two runs on RBI hits by Camille Navarro and Xzarria Simmons. In the sixth inning, the Bison tied the game on RBI singles by Jackie Jones and Breanna Robinson.

Going into extra innings, Navarro reached on an error to open the eighth. Navarro advanced to third on a base hit by Trinity Gibbs and came around to score the winning run on a walk-off single by Sienna Herrera.

The Bison totaled nine hits in Game 1 and the middle of the lineup trio Kalita Dennis, Navarro and Simmons scored all five of the team's runs.

On the mound, Tracy Mosley started for the Bison, allowing four runs (three earned) in 6.1 innings. Mackenzi Steele earned the victory as the reliever, tossing 1.2 shutout innings.

The Bears took the second game, 7-6, to split the doubleheader. The Bison scored two runs in the first inning but the Bears countered with a run in the second and six runs in the third. Simmons, Gibbs, Kamryn Tillman and Navarro contributed RBIs but it was not enough for the Bison.

Steele took the home the loss as the starting pitcher. Brooke Thomas and Mosley combined for five scoreless innings out of the bullpen.

The series will be decided on Sunday, April 14, with the series closer at noon. This game will also serve as Senior Day, honoring the Bison trio of Alannah Baiyina, Jasmine Gibson and Steele.

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.