BALTIMORE (April 20, 2024) – Howard University softball dropped a pair of tough Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) matchups at rival Morgan State (MSU). HU came up short in game one, 3-2, followed by a 2-0 setback in the nightcap.
HOWARD 2, MORGAN STATE 3
In the opener, only six hits were manufactured among the two squads. Junior
Jordin King (Pomona, Calif.) and MEAC Preseason Player of the Year Vic Fletcher each got the starting nod for their respective clubs.
HU got on the board first, thanks to junior
Kenna Higa (Honolulu) scoring on a wild pitch, 1-0, but MSU responded with an RBI-single to left center by Melissa Paz and tied the contest after one, 1-1.
Next inning, Morgan State took its first lead of the game with an RBI-single from Mia Ewell, 2-1.
After three scoreless innings, the Lady Bears extended their lead with an RBI-single by Ky'Anah Lake, 3-1.
Down, but not out, the Bison refused to go away.
Rookie
Bria Finley (Buford, Ga.) delivered a two-out single to put the tying run at the plate. Next up, second-year Bison
Amelia Weber (Montclair, Calif.) doubled to left center and pulled HU within one with a runner in scoring position, 3-2, but Fletcher stopped any comeback with the next batter, ending the game with a groundout to short.
King gave Howard a chance to win, tossing four innings with only two hits allowed. Sophomore standout reliever
Julia Holt (Tucson, Ariz.) finished the contest, throwing two innings in a no decision.
HOWARD 0, MORGAN STATE 2
The nightcap saw similar results from game one with both programs combining for only seven hits. Weber and MSU's Elli Bostedt started in the circle. Both pitchers opened the game with four scoreless innings.
Bottom five, MSU (27-15, 15-2 MEAC) delivered a pair of RBI-singles and took a 2-0 advantage after five frames.
From there, Bostedt kept the Bison at bay, allowing only two hits through six innings.
Bottom seven, Finley earned a leadoff walk and stole second to put the tying run at the plate, but Bostedt finished the contest with a strikeout and game-ending double play.
Weber had a solid outing in the circle, tossing 4.2 innings with a pair of strikeouts in the loss.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
HU (29-10, 13-4 MEAC) wraps up the weekend series at Morgan State Sunday (April 21) in a seven-inning contest. First-pitch is slated for noon in Baltimore.
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.