MONTGOMERY, Ala. (February 21, 2020) – Howard University softball team fell twice at the Stinger Classic, hosted by Alabama State, to a pair of big innings from North Alabama (UNA) and Murray State (MSU).
 
GAME ONE (Howard 0, North Alabama 4)
 
Pitchers Brooke Thomas (Detroit) and Raye Thomas (Washington) held the Lions to only a pair of hits, but North Alabama managed to string together four runs on two hits in the fourth inning.
 
"Raye [Thomas] started out rough not attacking batters," said Howard softball head coach Tori Tyson after game one. "[She was] getting behind [in the count], but she kept us in position for the win."
 
After two scoreless innings, UNA opened the third reaching on an error, followed by a hit-by-pitch and walk. With bases loaded, North Alabama's Meleah Hargett broke the tie with a two-run single through the left side, 0-2. After that, the Lions added two more insurance runs, 0-4.
 
"Brooke [Thomas] was once again excellent in relief," said Tyson on her redshirt junior pitcher, who tossed four scoreless innings out the bullpen. "She [also] kept us in the game."
 
Despite HU producing more hits than the Lions, 5-2, they were unable to get the timely hit when needed. Sophomore Xzarria Simmons (Escondido, Calif.) went a perfect 2-of-2 in the loss.
 
GAME TWO (Howard 4, Murray State 14)
 
HU's bats came alive in the nightcap, tallying 11 hits, but only had four runs to show.
 
"We hit the ball well," Tyson stated after the loss to Murray State. "But just not with runners in scoring position."
 
The opening frame saw HU strike first, 1-0, but the Racers responded with an eight-run inning to take a commanding 1-8 advantage after one.
 
After adding a run in the second, MSU took a 9-1 lead into the fourth where they extended their advantage to double digits, thanks to a five-run inning, 1-14.
 
Howard continued to battle despite the outcome, scoring three times in the fifth, 4-14.
 
"We just got beat in every area of the game," Tyson expressed. "We struggled in the two most important areas of the game [pitching and defense]. The youth in our pitchers showed and their hitters took advantage of some pitches we probably wanted back. It's tough to win a ball game this way. We must reset and get ready to compete tomorrow."
 
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
 
HU ends the weekend with two more games at the Stinger Classic Saturday (Feb. 22).
 
Howard meets North Alabama in a rematch, set for 10 a.m. (ET)/9 a.m. (CT), followed by a noon (ET)/11 a.m. (CT) start time against Southeast Missouri State.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.