NORFOLK, Va. (May 6, 2025) – The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) revealed its softball postseason teams and major awards where Howard University saw a program-best 11 Bison acknowledged for their incredible performances during the 2025 season. The announcement came Tuesday night at the league's annual awards ceremony.
 
Freshman Lauryn Jones (Denton, Texas) highlighted the night, becoming only the fourth Bison in program history to win the illustrious MEAC Rookie of the Year award, joining Kalita Dennis (2019), Rebecca Kirshner (2009) and Courtney Young (2007). In 45 games (41 starts), the Texas native batted .343 with a MEAC-leading 29 runs scored, 11 stolen bases and 11 walks. Additionally, she was selected the conference's Rookie of the Week four times this season.
 
Jones also earned a spot on the All-MEAC First Team, along with eight other Bison: Ameenah Ballenger (Lansdown, Pa.); Sidney Fletcher (Whittier, Calif.); Mia Gonzales (Atwater, Calif.); Merci Hart (Los Angeles); Kenna Higa (Honolulu); Julia Holt (Tucson, Ariz.); Lealani Ricks (Madera, Calif.) and Alyssa Vasquez (Eastvale, Calif.).
 
Second-year Bison Angel Riggins (San Diego) was named to the All-MEAC Second Team while senior Payton Quinonez (Tulare, Calif.) landed on the All-MEAC Third Team.
 
South Carolina State's Taylor Ames-Alexander won the 2025 MEAC Player of the Year award. North Carolina Central's Jaden Davis was named Pitcher of the Year while first-year Norfolk State head coach Angie Nicholson took home Coach of the Year.
 
Howard (28-18, 20-1 MEAC) heads to Norfolk, Va., for the MEAC Tournament, taking place May 7-10. The Bison open play Wednesday, May 7 at 8 p.m.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com or the MEAC website at www.MEACSports.com.