WASHINGTON, D.C.-- The Howard University softball team defeated Robert Morris University Colonials 8-2 in game one and 10-9(8) in game two, Sunday at the Nationals Youth Academy. 

The Bison took the four-game series against RMU after the two teams split a doubleheader on Saturday. 

With the two-game sweep, Howard improves to 5-2 overall. The Colonials fall to 5-3. The Bison is off to its best start in program history. 

Kiana Carr (Pheonix, Az.) came through for the Bison, recording two wins and a save in three appearances. 

Freshman Sydni Jones (Whitter, Ca.) recorded seven RBIs, six hits, a double, and scored twice. She knocked in the winning run in extra-innings to defeat RMU in 10-9(8). 

Junior Kalita Dennis (Elk Grove, Ca.) returned to the lineup after missing the series against Bowie St. Dennis presence was felt after only scoring one run in the first game. She exploded over the next three games, recording seven runs, seven hits, four RBIs, four doubles, walked twice, a solo homerun in the fourth game, and was intentionally walked in extra innings that sparked the winning run.

Game 1, 8-2

HOW IT HAPPENED

Howard bats came alive in game one, recording a combine 14 hits, seven doubles, and a triple. While the nifty baserunning five stolen bases. 

The Bison carried a 6-0 lead through the fourth inning, opening the flood gates in the third inning, scoring four runs. Dennis leads off the bottom of the third inning, taking a 3-2 pitch into left field for a double, and came around to score on an error by the Colonials. Howard added two more runs after a wild pitch and an errant throw to take a 5-0 lead. 

Dennis also opened the bottom of the fourth inning with a double her second of the game, stole third, and scored on a Natalie Davila single to right field for a 6-0 lead. 

Robert Morris answered back in the top of the fifth inning, plating two runs to cut the lead, 6-2. 

Howard returned the favor, scoring on back-to-back doubles, cap the scoring 8-2. 

Tracy Mosley got the start in the circle for the Bison and pitched four solid innings, giving up one earned run, three hits, and striking out one for her second win of the season. Kiana Carr spelled Mosley in the top of the fifth and pitched three innings, striking out three, and gave up a run and three hits for her first save of the season. 

Camille Navarro(2), Kalita Dennis (3), Natalie Davila(1), Shayna Wanson(1) recorded doubles in game one. 

Madison Riggle (1-1) recorded her first loss of the season, giving up six runs and ten hits.

Game 2, 10-9(8)

Howard and Robert Morris needed extra innings to complete the final game of the series. Jones knocked an RBI single to win the game. 

Dennis got the game started with a solo home run to left field to an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. 

Howard and RMU would trade scores over the next four innings when RMU erupted for five runs in the top of the fourth to take an 8-6 lead on a Natalie Higgins grand-slam homerun. The Colonials padded their lead in the top of the six, adding a run to extend the lead, 9-6. 

Howard answered with a three-run sixth inning, Jones with bases-loaded, hit a floater to deep right-center field, recording a two-run double. Dennis would later score after an RMU drop strikeout to tie the game at nine. 

Both pitching staff knuckled down in the seventh inning, escaping with runners in scoring position. 

The Bison did quick work in the top of the eighth, securing the first three outs in three plays. 

The Colonials intentionally walked Dennis to start the bottom of the eighth inning, with the winning run on second undeterred Jones struck a liner to left field to scored Te'la Beard for the win. 

Howard and RMU combined for 19 runs on 19 hits in game four.

Jones went 3-for-4, four RBIs, and scored once.

Sydney Hixenbaugh started in the circle in a no-decision, pitching three innings, giving up five earned runs on six hits. Kiana Carr took over in the fourth inning, pitching five innings giving up four earned runs on three hits, striking out seven for her second win of the weekend. 

BY THE NUMBERS:

• Carr recorded 19 strikeouts in three games versus Robert Morris. 
• Howard is off to its best start in program history. 
• Dennis recorded a career-high three doubles in game three. Her three runs scored tied a career-high. 
• Howard broke RMU's four-game winning streak after the Colonials opened their season sweeping North Carolina Central, winning all four games in run-rule fashion. 

UP NEXT:

Howard will travel to Townson, MD, to face Townson University for a doubleheader in a midweek contest, with the first pitch slated for 2:00 p.m.