WASHINGTON (March 23, 2024) – Howard University softball (19-7, 3-1 MEAC) started another win streak with Saturday evening's 11-9 win over South Carolina State (SCSU).
 
Both teams got off to a solid start in the first, each putting up one run apiece. The Bulldogs opened the scoring with a hit to right field while the Bison answered back with the lead.

Howard got its first run when sophomore Maryn Jordan (San Diego) ran home on a passed ball. With bases loaded, the Bulldogs walked newcomer Cheyenne Castille (Eastvale, Calif.), pushing Kenna Higa (Honolulu) across the plate, 2-1.
 
An explosive second inning saw eight runs off five hits for the Bulldogs, three runs coming off sophomore Taylor Ames-Alexander's hit to right center.
 
The Bison worked to find their rhythm on the mound, cycling through pitchers before Amelia Weber (Eastvale, Calif.) settled back in and closed the top of the frame.
 
HU did not let the Bulldogs get far. The Bison worked in a hit and four runs to close the gap, 9-6. Pinch running for Alyssa Vasquez (Downey, Calif.), Makaela Di Gaudio (Corona, Calif.) seized her opportunity to inch the Bison closer when she made it home on a throwing error. Teammate Bianca Worthy (Goodyear, Ariz.) was right behind her to make it a three-point deficit.
 
The third proved to be the quickest inning of the evening with both dugouts only getting three batters to the plate.
 
The Bulldogs struggled in the fourth. The conference opponent managed one hit but could not produce a run to hold off the Bison.
 
With only one out against them, reigning Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Rookie of the Week Angel Riggins (San Diego) started a Bison surge in the fourth with a line drive to bring Payton Quinonez (Tulare, Calif.) and Jordan across the plate for a 9-8 deficit.
 
Junior standout Sidney Fletcher (Whittier, Calif.) followed up directly after with a big hit of her own, giving Higa and Riggins time to make it home, 10-9.
 
After a scoreless fifth inning for both teams, the Bison picked up the scoring once again in the bottom of the sixth when Higa reached on a fielding error at short.
 
Sophomore Julia Holt (Tucson, Ariz.) saw success on the mound, striking out three batters across her three innings for her fourth save this season.
 
The Bison utilized eight hits in the 11-run victory and move to second in conference rankings.
 
Howard softball is back in action Sunday (March 24) at noon when they face SCSU in a doubleheader to close out the series.
 
Head Coach Tori Tyson will be recognized for her 100^th career win prior to the opening game.
 
For more information visit the official Howard athletics website www.hubison.com.