PHILADELPHIA, PA -- The Howard softball team dropped a pair versus the Drexel University Dragons in a doubleheader Thursday afternoon. Howard fell in game one, 10-6, and game two, 6-1. 

Game 1, L 10-6

The Bison grabbed a 5-4 lead after exploding for five runs in the top of the third. The lead was short-lived as the Dragons scored three runs in the bottom in the fourth and fifth inning to run away with a 10-6 victory. 

HOW IT HAPPEN

Drexel scored two runs in the first two innings to take an early 4-0 lead. 

In the bottom of the third, Trinity Gibbs recorded a walk to lead off the inning. Nevaeh Castruita single to right field, the Dragons intentionally walked Kalita Dennis to load the basses. Natalie Davila made Drexel pay for that decision, sending a zinger up the middle for a 2 RBI single to cut the lead, 4-2. 

Sydni Jones returned to the lineup after a scary injury during the Norfolk series. Jones did not disappoint, knocking an RBI single into the right-field gap, the next batter walked. Luz Aguilasocho blooped a two-RBI single to shallow right field to take the lead, 5-4. 

In the bottom of the fourth inning, Drexel jumped out quick recording a single and a double to start the inning with a bang. The third batter hit the ball over the left fielder's glove for a two-RBI single. The Dragons added another run, and three runs in the bottom of the fifth to take a commanding 10-5 lead. 

Howard added a run in the top of the sixth inning for the final score, 10-6.

Jones paced the Bison with three hits, one RBI, scored once, and recorded a double. Six other Bison recorded one hit. Aguilasocoho and Davila recorded two RBIs. 

Sydney Hixenbaugh got the start in the circle and pitched a two-inning no-decision allowing four runs, on five hits, and walked to batters. 

Tracy Mosley came in relief and pitched one complete inning, giving up three runs on three hits, walked one, and struck out one. 

Kiana Carr (5-4) recorded the loss, pitched three innings, gave up three runs on three hits, walked two, and struck out two. 

Each pitcher gave up a wild pitch. 

GAME 2, L 6-1

Drexel jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead, scoring one run in each of the first two innings, Howard answered back with some nifty baserunning, Maxie Harrington took advantage of a Camille Navarro rundown between first and second to score from third to cut the lead, 2-1. The Dragons tacked on two more runs in the bottom of the third to extend the lead, 4-1. A Drexel two-run home run sealed the game for the Dragons, defeating the Bison 6-1.  

The top of Howard's lineup struggled going 1-of-13 from the plate, striking out four times, stranding three base runners.

Hixenbaugh (1-4) got the nod again in the circle, pitching 2.2 innings allowing four runs, and five hits recorded the loss.

Thoughts from head coach Tori Tyson

Having Sydni Jones and Te'la Beard back in the lineup

"...It was fun to have Sydni [Jones] and Te'la [Beard] on the field. They are instrumental to our line up so I was happy they got reps before we start conference again."

Offense returning after 17-days layoff

"...I thought we honestly came out and competed offensively. Nine hits against a good squad after 17 days..."

Pitching staff going up against a top-five offense in the nation

"...I think our pitchers had a big task and tag teamed them well. We made some big mistakes defensively that really tilted the score. But all in all a competitive effort..."

Prepping for Morgan State, and sending off two seniors...

"...Morgan St. is an established team in our conference so this will be a good test for our culture. I'm hoping we got the rust off and ready to compete as we close out the careers of two amazing young women in Kiana Carr and Trinity Gibbs..."

NEXT UP

The Bison will face conference foe Morgan State (11-7, 8-0 MEAC). The Lady Bears is sporting a six-game winning streak.