WASHINGTON (March 19, 2022) – Howard University softball team dropped its rubber match against the Norfolk State (NSU) Spartans, 16-5, at Washington Nationals Youth Academy in southeast D.C.
 
With the setback, HU fell to 9-16 (1-2 MEAC) while the Spartans improved to 15-13 (2-1 MEAC) on the season.
 
Third-year Bison Luz Aguilasocho (Grand Terrace, Calif.) led the way, going 2-for-2 with a run scored in the loss.
 
Tuli Iosefa got NSU on the board first with a two-run shot over the left field fence, 2-0, but the Bison answered with a three-run inning, capped off by an RBI-double from rookie Alyssa Vasquez (Downey, Calif.), and took the lead after one, 3-2.
 
Next inning, Norfolk State reclaimed the lead with a five-run inning, highlighted by a three-run double from Alison Guckin, 7-3.
 
Senior Camille Navarro (Los Angeles) responded in the bottom half, delivering an RBI-single and cutting the margin to three after two innings, 7-4.
 
Top four, the Spartans produced two more runs and increased their advantage, 9-4, but newcomer Shalon McNeal (Lima, Ohio) crossed home plate and trimmed the deficit to four, 9-5.
 
Norfolk State erupted for seven runs in the fifth; thus, enforcing the eight-run mercy rule and ending the contest after five innings.
 
NSU's Kenna Higa went a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate with four RBIs and a run scored in the win.
 
Wednesday (March 23), Howard hosts Siena for a nonconference doubleheader, starting at noon. The next day (March 24), HU welcomes the Hofstra Pride to D.C. First-pitch is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Washington Nationals Youth Academy.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.