NORFOLK, Va. (April 27, 2025) – Howard University softball team displayed its best hitting performance of the season, racking up a season-high 17 runs on 16 hits in the victory over Norfolk State (NSU) in Norfolk, Va.
 
HU wrapped up league play with a 20-1 record while hitting .392 at the plate, a new conference benchmark.
 
Senior Alyssa Vasquez (Eastvale, Calif.) led the Bison attack, going 3-of-4 with three RBIs and two runs scored.
 
After jumping out to an early 2-0 advantage, second-year Bison Merci Hart (Los Angeles) delivered an RBI-single through the right side to extend the margin, 3-0.
 
NSU (21-21, 14-7 MEAC) battled back in the third, taking the lead with a four-run inning, 4-3.
 
HU responded with a six-run inning in the fourth, capped off by Hart's two-run blast over the left field fence, and reclaimed the upper hand, 9-3.
 
Top five, the Bison exploded for eight runs on seven hits with graduate Bri Martinez (Albuquerque, N.M.) drilling a two-run triple to right field; thus, ending the contest in five, 17-4.
 
Collectively, 10 Bison registered a hit in the win.
 
Graduate Ameenah Ballenger (Lansdown, Pa.) earned the victory in relief, going 2.1 innings with four Ks.
 
Tuesday (April 29), Howard (26-17) faces Big Ten opponent Maryland in College Park, Md., at 6 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.