NORFOLK, Va. (May 10, 2025) – Howard University softball (31-18) clinched its third-ever Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Tournament Championship with Saturday afternoon's 6-1 win over No. 6 South Carolina State (17-22) – avenging for their only conference loss of the regular season.
The Bison set the tone, starting strong at the plate. Senior
Kenna Higa (Honolulu) kicked HU off with a double. After notching her first hit of the day, MEAC Rookie of the Year
Lauryn Jones (Denton, Texas) joined Higa on the backside of the diamond when she stole second. With two in scoring position, the next batter grounded out, giving Higa the chance to advance on the throw, 1-0. Jones then followed, scoring on a wild pitch, 2-0.
After two scoreless innings for the Bulldogs, Jamaria Char got South Carolina State on the board with a home run over the center field fence, 2-1.
Howard hit a surge in the following inning, pulling away in the bottom of the third. Jones crossed the plate for the second time of the day when she beat the throw by sliding under the catcher's glove, 3-1. Senior
Alyssa Vasquez (Downey, Calif.) made her way home on the next play when the first baseman bobbled the ball, dropping the out and allowing another Bison on base, 4-1. Howard posted one final run before closing the third to widen the gap, 5-1.
After another two scoreless innings, Howard broke the stalemate in the sixth when junior
Maryn Jordan (San Diego) made her way around the diamond from first base, thanks to a deep hit to left field by Higa, 6-1.
Howard finished with nine hits and a .760 OPS.
Graduate
Ameenah Ballenger (Lansdown, Pa.) was named Tournament Most Outstanding Player after recording her 12th win of the season while
Tori Tyson was selected Most Outstanding Coach.
Joining them in MEAC All-Tournament recognition was senior
Mia Gonzales (Atwater, Calif.).
Sunday (May 11), the Bison will find out where their journey continues during the NCAA selection show, live on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. ET.
NCAA Regionals takes place May 16-18.
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at
www.HUBison.com.
