WASHINGTON (April 15, 2022) – Howard University softball team returned to The District in a big way, scoring 21 runs in the doubleheader sweep over South Carolina State (SCSU) at Washington Nationals Youth Academy. HU won game one in fifth innings, 13-5, and blanked the Lady Bulldogs in game two, 8-0 [f/5].
With the victories, Howard (19-19, 10-3 MEAC) extended its season-high win streak to seven.
GAME ONE (HOWARD 13, SOUTH CAROLINA STATE 5 [F/5])
HU scored double-digit runs for the third consecutive game, pounding out 13 runs on 11 hits.
Senior
Kalita Dennis (Elk Grove, Calif.) led the Bison attack, going a perfect 3-of-3 with five RBIs (career-best) and a pair of homers in the victory.
Howard took an early 3-0 advantage after one and doubled its lead, thanks to Dennis' three-run blast over the centerfield wall, 6-0.
Top three, SCSU fought back and cut the deficit to one after scoring five times, highlighted by a grand slam from Brey Collins, 6-5.
Newcomer
Sidney Fletcher (Whittier, Calif.) drilled a solo shot to left center and gave the Bison a two-run cushion after three, 7-5.
Next inning, the Bison added five more runs, including Dennis' two-run homer, and ballooned the lead to seven, 12-5.
Bottom five, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Preseason Player of the Year senior
Camille Navarro (Los Angeles) stole home and scored on a throwing error to enforce the mercy rule, 13-5.
Fletcher, Navarro and freshman
Lealani Ricks (Madera, Calif.) had two hits apiece in the victory.
GAME TWO (HOWARD 8, SOUTH CAROLINA STATE 0 [F/5])
In the nightcap, graduate
Analise De La Roca (San Pedro, Calif.) tossed a complete game shutout, throwing five innings and striking out three Lady Bulldogs in the victory.
HU scored four times in the second, highlighted by a two-run single from rookie
Alyssa Watson (Eastvale, Calif.), 4-0.
Next inning, the Bison tallied three more runs with Watson driving in a pair, 7-0.
Bottom four, freshman
Madison Harris (Slidell, Ill.) delivered an RBI-double to left field and gave the Bison an 8-0 win in five.
Watson went 2-of-2 with four RBIs and a run scored while third-year Bison
Luz Aguilasocho (Grand Terrace, Calif.) crossed home twice in the victory.
BISON NOTES
- With a victory tomorrow, HU will have its highest win total (20) since 2011
- Navarro passed the 175 plateau for career hits
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Howard and South Carolina State wrap up Easter Weekend with a scheduled seven-inning contest, starting 10:30 a.m. at Nats Youth Academy.
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.