NORFOLK, Va. (February 29, 2020) – Howard University softball team opened the weekend at the Hampton Classic with a split Saturday. HU defeated Morehead State in five, 10-1, but fell in the nightcap against Marshall, 8-9.
 
GAME ONE
 
HU produced 10 run on 14 hits in game one, led by second-year slugger Kalita Dennis (Elk Grove, Calif.) going 3-of-4 with a pair of two-run homers and three runs scored.
 
Howard pounced on the Eagles early, scoring four runs in the first inning with RBI-singles from senior Kamryn Tillman (Snellville, Ga.), junior Trinity Gibbs (Kissimmee, Fla.) and newcomer Luz Aguilasocho (Grand Terrace, Calif.), 4-0.
 
Dennis delivered two-run shots in the second and third innings and extended HU's advantage to eight after three, 8-0.
 
HU added two insurance runs in the fourth before Morehead State got on the board bottom four, 10-1.
 
Sophomore pitcher Sydney Hixenbaugh (Millstone, N.J.) tossed a gem, throwing five innings with only three hits and one run allowed in her first win of the season.
 
GAME TWO
 
Howard's momentum continued into the nightcap, but after the fourth inning. HU trailed, 0-9, until the Bison exploded for back-to-back four-run innings in the fifth and sixth to slice the margin down to one, 8-9.
 
In game two, Aguilasocho and sophomore Xzarria Simmons (Escondido, Calif.) led the way with three-hit performances. The freshman catcher sparked HU's comeback, registering two-run singles in the fifth and sixth innings. Simmons crossed home twice while recording an RBI-single in a losing effort.
 
In a relief role, redshirt junior Brooke Thomas (Detroit) settled in and kept HU in the game. The Detroit pitcher went 3.2 innings with two hits and two earned runs.
 
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
 
Sunday (March 1), the Bison face Morehead State in a rematch at 10 a.m., followed by a 2 p.m. start time against the Hampton Lady Pirates in Hampton, Va.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.