WASHINGTON (April 27, 2024) – Howard University softball team scored early and often en route to a 29-8 victory over rival Norfolk State (NSU) at Nats Youth Academy.
With the win, HU set a new program record with most runs scored in a single game (29) while securing its second 30-win season in three years.
Collectively, the Bison pounded out 29 runs on 15 hits while earning 17 walks.
Junior infielder
Kenna Higa (Honolulu) played her former club for the first time, going 1-for-2 with four RBIs and four walks in the victory.
Howard (30-11, 14-5 MEAC) tallied four runs in the opening frame, highlighted by a two-run double to left field from sophomore
Maryn Jordan (San Diego), and took a commanding 4-0 advantage after one.
NSU responded with a six-run second inning, capped off with a three-run blast by pinch-hitter Maya Johnson, and held a two-run lead going into the bottom half.
Bottom two, HU regained the upper hand with seven runs on three hits and grabbed a 11-6 lead after two innings of play.
Howard kept the pressure on and never looked back, racking up six runs in the third, followed by an explosive 12-run fourth inning to put the contest out-of-reach.
Norfolk State mustered a pair of runs in the fifth before the game ended in five.
At the plate, nine Bison recorded a hit with Jordan and graduate
Bianca Worthy (Goodyear, Ariz.) each notching three apiece.
In the circle, sophomore
Julia Holt (Tucson, Ariz.) collected her seven win of the season (7-0). The Arizona native came in relief, tossing 3.1 innings with a game-high six strikeouts.
For NSU (4-40, 3-16 MEAC), Julia Kearny went 2-for-3 with two RBIs in a losing effort.
Due to Saturday's inclement weather, both squads will play a doubleheader Sunday (April 28), starting at noon.
Between Sunday's twinbill, Coach
Tori Tyson and the club will recognize several Bison for their hard work and dedication to the program. The Senior Day ceremony begins at the conclusion of game one.
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.
