WASHINGTON (March 23, 2022) – Howard University softball team earned a split versus Siena at Washington Nationals Youth Academy in southeast D.C. HU dropped the opener, 3-1, but rebound in the nightcap, rallying to win 2-1.
GAME TWO (Howard 2, Siena 1)
Both squads put on a pitching clinic, leaving runs at a premium.
HU scored two runs on four hits, led by rookie
Victoria Brown (Carson, Calif.) going 2-for-2 with a run scored and walk.
In the opening frame, Siena's Ava Fitzmaurice delivered an RBI-single to left field and gave the Saints an early 1-0 lead after one.
Throughout the contest, both pitching staffs kept batters unbalanced and confused until the sixth when senior
Kalita Dennis (Elk Grove, Calif.) mustered a clutch hit to drive in Brown and fellow classmate
Xzarria Simmons (Escondido, Calif.); thus, giving the Bison a slim 2-1 edge going into the seventh.
Top seven, the Saints managed to get the tying run on first, but graduate
Analise De La Roca (San Pedro, Calif.) closed the door immediately with a game-ending fielder's choice to short.
De La Roca picked up her sixth win of the season, tossing a complete game while striking out three Saints in the victory.
GAME ONE (Howard 1, Siena 3)
In game one, HU scored once on six scattered hits.
Bottom three, DMV native freshman
Jade Greene (Upper Marlboro, Md.) stole home and put Howard ahead after three, 1-0.
Top five, Siena's Sabrina Vargas scored on a wild pitch and tied the contest at one apiece, 1-1. Moments later, Fitzmaurice drilled an RBI-triple to right center and gave the Saints their first lead after five innings, 2-1.
Siena added an insurance run in the seventh, thanks to RBI-walk from Ashley Giampolo, 3-1.
Newcomer
Mia Gonzales (Atwater, Calif.) got the nod in game one, throwing 5.2 innings while striking out six batters in the loss.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Thursday (March 24), Howard (10-17) hosts Hofstra in a single, seven-inning contest at Nats Youth Academy. First-pitch is set for 2 p.m.
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.