WASHINGTON (March 14, 2022) – Howard University softball team utilized solid pitching to sweep Bryant (BU) at Washington Nationals Youth Academy in southeast D.C. HU blanked the Bulldogs in game one, 4-0, followed by a 5-1 victory in the nightcap.
GAME ONE (HOWARD 4, BRYANT 0)
Newcomer
Mia Gonzales (Atwater, Calif.) tossed a gem in game one, throwing a complete game while striking out five Bulldogs in her first collegiate win.
After three scoreless innings, reigning Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week
Victoria Brown (Carson, Calif.) got HU on the board with a two-run triple down the right field line, 2-0. Moments later, Brown scored on a wild pitch and extended the lead, 3-0.
Same inning, third-year Bison
Luz Aguilasocho (Grand Terrace, Calif.) delivered an RBI-single up-the-middle, scoring senior
Kalita Dennis (Elk Grove, Calif.), and put Howard ahead by four runs, 4-0.
BU produced five scattered hits in game one, but Gonzales limited the Bulldogs to no extra base hits.
Senior
Camille Navarro (Los Angeles) and freshman
Alyssa Vasquez (Downey, Calif.) went 2-of-3 at the plate with a run scored in the victory.
GAME TWO (HOWARD 5, BRYANT 1)
Four Bison pitchers combined for seven strikeouts while allowing one unearned run in the nightcap, led by senior
Sydney Hixenbaugh (Millstone, N.J.) going 2.1 innings with four Ks.
Top four, Bryant's Jenna Gardne delivered a sac fly to right field and gave the Bulldogs a 1-0 advantage after four.
Bottom six, Howard erupted for five runs, capped off by a two-run double to left center from junior
Natalie Davila (Carson, Calif.), 5-1.
Gonzales and graduate pitcher
Analise De La Roca (San Pedro, Calif.) seized the opportunity to close out the Bulldogs. De La Roca picked up her fourth win in a reserve role while Gonzales secured her first collegiate save.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Wednesday (March 16), Howard hosts Binghamton in a single, seven-inning contest. First-pitch is set for 6 p.m. at Washington Nationals Youth Academy.
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.