WASHINGTON- Howard University softball traveled to Philadelphia on Tuesday to battle Drexel University for a doubleheader, taking one of two games.
The Bison won the first game, 5-2, jumping to an early lead against the Dragons. After a quiet first inning,
Trinity Gibbs and
Jackie Jones opened the second inning with leadoff hits. They both came around to score on a two-RBI single by Shayla Swanson. Howard added a run in the third inning as
Kalita Dennis scored on an RBI bunt single by Jones. After the Dragons scored a run in the third and fourth inning, the Bison added two runs of insurance in the sixth inning.
Zaria Hall scored on a wild pitch, while
Camille Navarro scored on a passed ball. Jones and Swanson each had multi-hit games, and Swanson also led the team with three runs driven in.
In the circle, Tracey Mosely started the game for the Bison, tossing three innings, while allowing two runs (one earned).
Mackenzi Steele earned the victory, throwing four shutout innings out of the bullpen.
The victory marked the eighth non-conference victory of the season for the Bison. Prior to Tuesday's doubleheader, the Bison lost their four matchups against Drexel, being outscored 41-17. After the game, Bison head coach
Tori Tyson said, "I am so proud of this team. Today marked another non-MEAC victory and that is the ultimate goal; we want to be competitive everywhere."
Tyson added, "Our defense which struggled at moments is really in sync and I am proud of this Bison team. Shayna stepping in catching really sparked us as all of our catchers were in finals and or sick to start game 1."
Despite their game 1 victory, the Bison did not complete the series sweep in game 2 as they fell to the Dragons, 5-2.
The Bison matched their opponent with 11 hits in the affair but did not score until an RBI single by Dennis drove in
Rajaa Wilcox. Dennis scored the second Bison run on an RBI single by Navarro.
Mosely came in relief for the Bison, allowing just one run in six innings. In her final four innings of work, Mosely did not allow any runs while surrendering just three hits and striking out four.
"Tracy and Mackenzi are doing their best and keeping us in every ball game. Brooke (Thomas) has been putting in work and right now is a good time to give her experience to prepare her next year. I was proud of how we kept competing down to the final out," said Tyson.
The Bison will play in Philadelphia again on Friday, May 3, as they face the University of Pennsylvania for a doubleheader. The scheduled times for the doubleheader are 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
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.
