WASHINGTON (April 23, 2022) – Howard University softball team grabbed a split versus Maryland Eastern Shore Saturday afternoon at the Washington Nationals Youth Academy in southeast D.C. HU won the opener, 5-4, but dropped the nightcap, 9-5.
GAME ONE (HOWARD 5, MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE 4)
Howard extended its program-record win streak to 10 games after producing five runs on nine hits. Senior
Kalita Dennis (Elk Grove, Calif.) and rookie
Lealani Ricks (Madera, Calif.) each registered two hits in the victory.
After both squads were tied at two apiece, Maryland Eastern Shore regained the lead with an RBI-single from Kaylyn Sterling, 3-2.
Bottom three, newcomer
Alyssa Vasquez (Downey, Calif.) delivered an RBI-single through the left side and tied the contest, 3-3.
Next inning, freshman
Alyssa Watson (Eastvale, Calif.) scored on a wild pitch and gave the Bison a 4-3 edge after four innings.
Top five, the Hawks' Julia Garcia drilled a solo shot down the left field line and tied the contest, 4-4, but Watson delivered the go-ahead run in the bottom portion, driving home senior
Xzarria Simmons (Escondido, Calif.), 5-4.
Graduate
Analise De La Roca (San Pedro, Calif.) picked up a five-out save, facing seven Hawks in 1.2 innings of work.
Newcomer
Mia Gonzales (Atwater, Calif.) earned her third win of the season after going 5.1 innings with six strikeouts in the win.
GAME TWO (HOWARD 5, MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE 9)
Howard mustered five runs on seven hits, led by Ricks going 3-of-4 with an RBI and run scored.
Both squads were tied at one apiece after two innings until Eastern Shore recorded four runs in the third and held a 5-1 lead. Simmons delivered a sac fly to right, driving in fellow classmate
Camille Navarro (Los Angeles) and cutting the margin to three, 5-2.
After tallying a run in the fourth, 6-2, Maryland Eastern Shore scored three more times in the sixth and took a 9-2 advantage after six innings.
Down, but not out, the Bison refused to go away. HU registered three runs in their final at-bat but was not enough to complete the back.
Vasquez went 2-of-3 with a walk and RBI in the loss.
With the setback, Howard saw its win streak come to an end at 10.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Howard and Maryland Eastern Shore conclude the season series Sunday (April 24) on Senior Day. The rubber match is slated for noon at Nats Youth Academy.
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.