CLEARWATER, Fla. (February 11, 2023) – Howard University softball team held on to win the champion versus champion bout against Prairie View A&M (PVAM), 4-2, at the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Fla.
 
With the victory, Howard improved to 2-1 overall while the Lady Panthers dropped to 0-3 on the young season.
 
Second-year Bison Mia Gonzales (Atwater, Calif.) set the tone for HU, tossing a complete game with six strikeouts in the win.
 
Both clubs were scoreless until the fourth when HU produced two runs and took a 2-0 lead after four.
 
Next inning, freshman Yazmine Mendez (Lake Elsinore, Calif.) entered as a pinch hitter and delivered a two-run shot down the right field line and extended the Bison's advantage, 4-0.
 
Down, but not out, the reigning SWAC Champions refused to go away without a fight. PVAM manufactured a pair of runs in the seventh, but the Bison would hold on and secure their second win of the season.
 
Sophomore Payton Quinonez (Tulare, Calif.) led the Bison attack, going 2-of-3 with two runs scored.
 
For PVAM, Cailin Massey tossed six innings and allowed four runs (two earned) in a losing effort.
 
Howard wraps up the weekend with Louisville Sunday (Feb. 12). First pitch is scheduled for 10 a.m.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.