ORANGEBURG, S.C. (March 23, 2025) – Howard University softball team suffered its first conference loss of the season, dropping a 4-1 decision at South Carolina State (SCSU) in Orangeburg, S.C.
 
With the setback, HU fell to 5-1 in league play while SCSU moved to 2-4 in conference action.
 
Howard mustered 12 hits Sunday afternoon, but only to bring home one run. Seniors Sidney Fletcher (Whittier, Calif.), Lealani Ricks (Madera, Calif.) and Alyssa Vasquez (Eastvale, Calif.) and junior Maryn Jordan (San Diego) each recorded two hits in the loss.
 
SCSU (6-13, 2-4 MEAC) jumped out to an early 4-0 lead after one inning of play.
 
Next three frames, senior pitcher Jordin King (Pomona, Calif.) settled in after the rough start, tossing three scoreless innings; thus, keeping the Bison in striking distance.
 
Top four, Jordan's RBI-double to center field put HU on the board, 4-1.
 
Bottom six, the Bulldogs added an insurance run to put the game out-of-reach, 5-1.
 
Eight Bison recorded a hit in the contest but stranded 10 bases runners.
 
In the circle, King tossed 5.2 innings with eight strikeouts.
 
Jamaria Char led the Bulldogs, going 3-of-4 with two runs scored in the victory.

Howard (11-15) is set to host a pair of Big Ten opponents at the Washington Nationals Youth Academy in D.C. Tuesday (March 25), HU welcomes the Cal Bears for a seven-inning contest. First-pitch at 1 p.m. The next day (March 26), the Bison face nationally ranked UCLA. Game-time is slated for 6:30 p.m. Both matchups will be streamed on ESPN+.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.