HONOLULU (March 1, 2025) – Howard University softball team wrapped up the Outrigger Invitational with a split on the final day. HU knocked off Jackson State (JSU) for the second day in a row, 2-1 (f/8), while coming up short to the host Hawaii, 8-0 (f/6).
 
HOWARD 2, JACKSON STATE 1 (F/8)
 
JSU (10-8) scored in its first time at bat, 1-0, but graduate Bri Martinez (Albuquerque, N.M.) delivered an RBI-single to center, driving home senior Payton Quinonez (Tulare, Calif.), and tied the contest after two innings, 1-1.
 
From there, both bats were kept in check, thanks to incredible pitching performances from both squads.
 
After Jackson State failed to score in the eighth, HU capitalized and ended the contest with a walk-off RBI-groundout from sophomore Merci Hart (Los Angeles), bringing home freshman Lauryn Jones (Denton, Texas), 2-1.
 
Hart led the Bison attack, going 2-of-3 at the plate.
 
MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) Preseason Pitcher of the Year Julia Holt (Tucson, Ariz.) earned her second win of the year, going 4.1 innings with four Ks in the victory. Senior Mia Gonzales (Atwater, Calif.) also had a solid outing in relief, throwing 3.2 innings with five strikeouts.
 
With the win, HU has won two-out-of-its-last three games after dropping its previous seven matchups.
 
HOWARD 0, HAWAII 8 (F/6)
 
After a scoreless first inning from both squads, Hawaii (14-7) manufactured five runs in the second frame, 5-0, followed by two more scores in the third, 7-0.
 
HU kept Hawaii off the board for the next two innings, but unable to register any runs.
 
Bottom six, Milan Ah Yat ended the contest with an RBI-single to center field, 8-0.
 
Second-year Bison Angel Riggins (San Diego) went 2-of-3 at the plate while senior Kenna Higa (Honolulu) recorded a hit in the loss.
 
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
 
Wednesday (March 6), HU heads to College Park, Md., to face the University of Maryland. First-pitch is slated for 6 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.