WASHINGTON (April 18, 2025) - Howard University softball (22-17, 16-1 MEAC) continued its charge through the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) with Friday afternoon's 5-2 and 8-0 wins over Morgan State (13-25, 9-8 MEAC).
 
GAME 1 - HOWARD 5, MORGAN STATE 2
 
Lauryn Jones (Denton, Texas) got the first hit of the day for the Bison before stealing third on a throw, but a pop fly with two strikes on the board cut the scoring opportunity short for the Bison.
 
The Bears sent three hits straight into the gloves of the Bison in the field for a quick top of the second.
 
Howard notched another stolen base in the bottom half, but left sophomore Wisdom Colbert (Jacksonville, Fla.) on base for a scoreless second frame.
 
In the top of the third, Merci Hart (Los Angeles) made a double play from behind the plate, clearing the bases and thwarting the Bears advances. Mia Gonzales (Atwater, Calif.) sent a strike down the middle to send Morgan State (MSU) back in the dugout.
 
With a Bear on third eyeing home, Ameenah Ballenger (Lansdown, Pa.) returned to the mound to strike out the final batter in the top of the fourth. At the plate, Ballenger hit a shot out-of-reach of the diving first baseman, giving way for Angel Riggins (San Diego) to make it into scoring position. Riggins made her way home on a passed ball the following play to give the Bison a 1-0 lead in the fourth.
 
Seniors Sidney Fletcher (Whittier, Calif.) and Lealani Ricks (Madera, Calif.) put up big hits in the fifth, placing them on the corners as fellow senior Payton Quinonez (Tulare, Calif.) stepped into the box. Ricks stole second on the first pitch before Quinonez was walked to fill the bases. With two outs on the board, senior catcher Alyssa Vasquez (Downey, Calif.) sent a shot deep to the outfield. As the hit sailed over the glove of the centerfielder and three Bison ran home to a 4-0 score. Hart following up with a hit to right field for an RBI and 5-0 board to close the fifth.
 
The Bears joined the board in the top of the sixth with a hit to the centerfield fence, 5-1. A passed ball on the next play closed the gap for a final score, 5-2.
 
The Bison capitalized on seven hits with a .292 average.
 
GAME 2 - HOWARD 8, MORGAN STATE 0 (F/6)
 
Howard kept momentum going into the nightcap. Kenna Higa (Honolulu) was first in the diamond when she hit a double down the left line. A fielder's choice gave the Honolulu native time to run home for a 1-0 lead.
 
After a scoreless second inning, Higa posted her second hit of the day in the bottom of the third, bringing Quinonez home for a 2-0 score.
 
Higa hit her first homer of the season with a shot over the center field fence. The power hit resulted in a 4-0 advantage in the bottom of the fifth.
 
With two outs against them and bases loaded, sophomore Cheyenne Castille (Eastvale, Calif.) stepped up to the plate to notch an RBI and inch the Bison away, 5-0.

Vasquez called game with a walk-off three-run triple for an 8-0 finish.
 
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
 
The Bison return to Nationals Youth Academy Saturday (April 19) at 12:30 p.m., to close out the series. Ahead of the matchup, Howard will recognize their 10 seniors for their accomplishments and contributions to the program.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.