WASHINGTON (April 29, 2023) – Howard University softball sent their seniors off with their second series sweep of the season Saturday afternoon, defeating the Delaware State (DSU) Lady Hornets 3-2 in game one, followed by a 4-2 victory in the nightcap.
The consecutive wins end the Bison's regular season 18-24 (10-9 MEAC) overall while the Hornets fall 8-30 (2-17 MEAC).
HOWARD 3, DELAWARE STATE 2 (GAME 1)
HU mustered three runs on seven hits, led by rookies
Maryn Jordan (San Diego) and
Amelia Weber (Montclair, Calif.) with two hits apiece in the win.
In the opening frame, Jordan had a two-run single to centerfield, bringing teammates
Alyssa Vasquez (Downey, Calif.) and
Sidney Fletcher (Whittier, Calif.) across the plate, 2-0.
The Lady Hornets inched closer with a big home run by junior Uxua Modrego Lopez (Burlada, Spain) in the top of the second, 2-1.
After a scoreless third inning for both teams, the Bison pulled away with their third run of the day, courtesy of a sac fly from Fletcher, 3-1.
The Lady Hornets answered with one more run in the fifth but fell short 3-2 in the opening game.
Sophomore lefty
Mia Gonzales (Atwater, Calif.) put on a clinic in her 16
th start of the season, going 4.1 innings with only three hits allowed hits. Weber came in relief, picking up a five-out save for the Bison.
SENIOR DAY RECOGNITION (IN-BETWEEN GAMES)
Before game two, Howard recognized participating seniors and graduates from both teams.
Representing the Hornets: Emma Glawson; Felicity Munoz; Sydney Hoffman and Joie Raybourn were welcomed with applause.
The Bison recognized three of their 2022 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Champions: grad student and four-time All-Conference selection, MEAC Player of the Year
Kalita Dennis (Elk Grove, Calif.); two-time MEAC All-Academic honoree
Luz Aguilasocho (Grand Terrace, Calif.) and two-time MEAC Commissioner's All-Academic Team honoree
Raye Thomas (Washington) were applauded while escorted by their families and teammates.
HOWARD 4, DELAWARE STATE 2 (GAME 2)
HU produced four runs on six hits in the nightcap with Fletcher going 2-of-3 at the plate.
The Bison started game two with a quick three-up, three-down for DSU.
Howard continued their crusade on the offensive front with sophomore
Lealani Ricks (Madera, Calif.) sneaking her way around the diamond. After stealing second and third, the California native made it home on a sac fly from Vasquez for a 1-0 lead.
The MEAC foes kept each other at bay across three innings before scoring picked up in the sixth.
The Hornets shot another homer over the fence for a 2-1 advantage.
A big hit by Dennis evened the board 2-2 with second-year Bison
Shalon McNeal (Lima, Ohio) tagging the bag.
Pinch hitting in the seventh slot, first-year Bison
Kelyse Stewart (Lee's Summit, Mo.) singled to second base, bringing Fletcher back to the dugout. Dennis was not far behind, taking the opportunity to run home when the first basemen missed the throw, 4-2.
After earning a game one save, Weber closed out the contest with a complete-game performance, earning her seventh win of the season.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Due to impending weather Sunday (April 30), the season finale against the Lady Hornets has been canceled.
Next up for the Bison, the team awaits the bracket for the 2023 MEAC Tournament, hosted in Norfolk, Va. (May 10-13).
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.
Jalisa Fulwood, Howard Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations, contributed to this story.
