WASHINGTON (March 24, 2024) – Howard softball (21-7, 5-1 MEAC) continues its crusade through the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) with today's 6-1 and 7-0 victories for a 3-0 sweep over the South Carolina State (SCSU) Bulldogs (4-16, 3-5 MEAC).
Prior to the doubleheader, head coach Tori Tyson was recognized for her 100th career win marked against Tennessee State (Feb. 24).
HOWARD 6, SCSU 4
Building off the series opening 11-9 win, the Bison broke the scoring in the bottom of the first when junior Alyssa Vasquez (Eastvale, Calif.) delivered a RBI-double to center, 1-0.
After holding the Bulldogs in place through the second, the Bison posted another run in the bottom of the frame, 2-0.
A scoreless third inning gave the Bulldogs a fresh start in the fourth as they joined the Bison on the board when a ground out to second gave way to a 2-1 score. With two outs against them, a near board tying play was made by SCSU but was cut short by first baseman Kenna Higa (Honolulu).
The Bison inched away when a double to left center by Sidney Fletcher (Whittier, Calif.) allowed Vasquez to run home, 3-1. Newcomer Merci Hart (Los Angeles) followed up with a hit and a 4-1 advantage.
In a big double play to close out the top of the sixth, eagle-eyed Amelia Weber (Montclair, Calif.) caught the hit then tossed it to Fletcher at third, who ousted the oncoming Bulldog before throwing across the diamond to first.
The Bison took their half of the inning to score. With only one out on the board, a fielding error in combination with a throwing error put the Bison in scoring position. Bases loaded - the Bulldog on the mound walked MEAC Rookie of the Week Angel Riggins (San Diego), putting the Bulldogs in a 5-1 deficit.
Working to find their pitch on the mound, the Bulldogs switched out only to get a big hit from Fletcher for a 6-1 score. Confusion down third cost the Bison an out on the play, but bases were soon loaded again with Riggins eyeing home. Higa followed up getting her bat on the ball but fell short as the centerfielder tossed the out at third.
A Bulldog run in the top of the seventh with zero outs saw a pitch change for the Bison. HU struggled to keep momentum on the mound before giving up back-to-back runs for a 6-4 score.
HOWARD 7, SCSU 0
The Bison were first on the board yet again as they opened the scoring of the finale in the third inning. With bases loaded, Hart was walked forcing Lealani Ricks (Madera, Calif.) to the dugout with the 1-0 lead.
Hart highlighted the bottom of the fifth with a hit out to right center to bring in Fletcher and Vasquez for a 3-0 advantage.
The 2-RBI play moved the Bulldogs to change to player on the hill. A wild pitch made it a 4-0 advantage in the fifth. After throwing 10 balls, the Bulldogs switched up the mound again to slow down the Bison. Higa thwarted those plans with a long hit out to left field for a 2-RBI play, 6-0. Vasquez followed up with a sac fly to left field, giving Lambert the chance to cross home, 7-0.
Jordin King (Pomona, Calif.) highlighted the day with her first shutout and complete game.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Howard softball is back in action Friday, March 29 when they face Maryland Eastern Shore in a doubleheader, starting at 1 p.m.
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.
