WASHINGTON – Howard women's soccer (11-5-2, NEC 6-3-1) closed out the regular season Thursday afternoon with a 3-0 win over Saint Francis (3-12-2, NEC 3-5-2) to highlight this year's senior day. 

Before the matchup, the team recognized their nine seniors for their contributions to the program: Nyla Allen, Marli Berry, Jasmine Britford, Skye Davis, Jaida Hendricks, Kennedy "KJ" Jones, Lauren McGinnis, Zaria Stevenson, Jasmine Warren.

After ending the first 45 in a 0-0- stalemate, the Bison turned up the heat in the second half. 

After 10 attempts in the first, Howard broke through in the 55th minute when Kyra Bolden (Mclean, Va.) made her way from the wing to midfield. With space toward the middle, Bolden passed the ball to lead scorer Melea Earley (La Miranda, Calif.) who chipped the ball from the corner to an open Nyla Allen (Elmont, NY). Positioning herself just right, Allen got a head on the ball to put the Bison on the board, 1-0. 

Just seven minutes later, Earley would go on to net a goal of her own with the help of rookie standout Samantha James (Herndon, VA). 

Winning the ball from a defender, James turned before getting her right foot on the ball to send it over to a signaling Earley. The California native knew exactly what to do sending a beautiful header past the Red Flash in goal, 2-0. 

Less than eight minutes later, sophomore Jaileen De Freitas (Miami) connected with a pass from first-year Mimi Richards (Silver Spring, Md.) before curving it into the net from the right wing. 

Howard outshot SFU 16 to 13 while capitalizing off of nine corners to SFU's five – all coming in the 2nd half. 

The 2nd half was just as busy on the defensive side. The Bison in goal recorded seven of their eight total saves in the frame. 

The victory slates the team to host their first playoff game as Northeast Conference participants. 

The Bison are back in action this Sunday (Oct. 29th) when they host the #5 seed at Noon. 


For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.