GREENSBORO, N.C. (February 13, 2022) – Howard University softball team finished the weekend on a high note, knocking off North Carolina A&T State (NCAT) in the night cap, 12-8. HU dropped the morning contest to Robert Morris (RMU), 8-0 (f/5).
 
GAME TWO (Howard 12, NCAT 8)
 
HU pounded out 12 hits, led by junior Luz Aguilasocho (Grand Terrace, Calif.) going a perfect 4-of-4 at the plate with an RBI-single.
 
Newcomer Alyssa Vasquez (Downey, Calif.) got Howard on the board with an RBI-single up-the-middle, 1-0, but NCAT responded with four runs in the bottom first and took a commanding 4-1 lead after one.
 
Next inning, the Bison answered with four runs of their own and reclaimed the upper hand, 5-4, and added five more in the third, highlighted by a two-run RBI triple from sophomore Ari Whatley (Chattanooga, Tenn.), 10-4.
 
Bottom four, North Carolina A&T State cut the margin to three after tallying three runs, 10-7.
 
Top six, Aguilasocho and freshman Payton Quinonez (Tulare, Calif.) each delivered an RBI-single to put the game out-of-reach, 12-8.
 
Quinonez and Vasquez each had two hits while fellow classmate Alyssa Watson (Eastvale, Calif.) tied a team-leading three RBIs in the victory.
 
Senior pitcher Sydney Hixenbaugh (Millstone, N.J.) picked up the win in a reserve role, striking out four Aggies.
 
GAME ONE (Howard 0, Robert Morris 8 [f/5])
 
Freshman Lealani Ricks (Madera, Calif.) was the lone Bison to record a hit against RMU.
 
Robert Morris scored six runs in the first two innings, followed by a run in the fourth and fifth innings.
 
RMU's Rachel Rhinehart tossed a one-hitter in five innings of work while striking out three Bison.
 
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
 
On Feb. 19-20, Howard hosts Quinnipiac in a three-game series. Saturday's doubleheader starts at noon and Sunday's seven-inning contest also begins at noon.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.