WASHINGTON (March 11, 2022) – Freshman standout Alyssa Vasquez (Downey, Calif.) delivered a game-winning two-run shot in the nightcap victory over Saint Peter's (SPU), 6-5, at Washington Nationals Youth Academy. With the win, Howard University softball team earned a split against the Peacocks after dropping close bout in game one, 7-6.
 
GAME TWO (HOWARD 6, SAINT PETER'S 5)
 
In game two, Howard produced six runs on 10 hits, led by Vasquez going 3-of-4 with four RBIs and run scored.
 
HU took the early 2-0 advantage after Vasquez and senior Kalita Dennis (Elk Grove, Calif.) drove in a run each.
 
Top two, Saint Peter's responded with a two-run double from Anja Solveig Kane and tied the contest at two apiece.
 
Next inning, Howard reclaimed the upper hand with RBIs by Vasquez and fellow classmate Victoria Brown (Carson, Calif.), 4-2, but the Peacocks would make another rally late.
 
SPU took its first lead after recording three runs in the seventh, capped off by a two-run double from Cara McNulty, 5-4.
 
Down, but not out, Howard made one final rally. After a leadoff single by newcomer Lealani Ricks (Madera, Calif.), followed by a stolen base, Vasquez drilled a two-run blast over the left field fence to secure the Bison's sixth win of the season.
 
Graduate Analise De La Roca (San Pedro, Calif.) picked up her third victory of the season, tossing all seven innings while striking out five batters.
 
GAME ONE (HOWARD 6, SAINT PETER'S 7 [F/8])
 
In the morning game, Howard tallied six runs on seven hits, including four extra base hits.
 
Newcomer Payton Quinonez (Tulare, Calif.) recorded a multi-hit performance, going 2-of-3 with an RBI and run scored.
 
McNulty set the tone early for SPU, delivering a three-run blast down the left field line, 3-0.
 
Howard cut the margin to one after four, 3-2, but the Peacocks answered with a pair of their runs, 5-2.
 
HU tallied a run in the fifth and sliced the margin back to two runs, 5-3.
 
In their final at-bat, the Bison tallied two runs and forced extra innings.
 
Saint Peter's produced two more runs in the eighth, but the Bison refused to go quietly.
 
Freshman Sidney Fletcher (Whittier, Calif.) connected on an RBI-double and pulled HU within one, but the Peacocks withstood Howard's late charge to win, 7-6.
 
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
 
Howard's homestand continues Monday (March 14) with a doubleheader versus Bryant. First-pitch is set for noon at Washington Nationals Youth Academy.

For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.