WASHINGTON, DC — Howard softball standouts Merci Hart ( Los Angeles, Calif.) and Julia Holt (Tucson, Ariz.) earned the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference's first weekly honors of the 2026 season, the league office announced Monday (Feb. 9). Hart was named MEAC Player of the Week, while Holt earned MEAC Pitcher of the Week honors following the Bison's 3-2 opening weekend at the Campbell Stampede in Buies Creek, NC. North Carolina Central's Mia De La Fuente was also named Rookie of the Week after going error-free across three games while registering 13 putouts and one assist.

Hart powered Howard's offense, batting .438 (7-for-16) with three doubles, three RBI and five walks, finishing the weekend with a 1.196 OPS. The California native recorded multiple hits in three matchups, including a two-hit, two-run performance in the season-opening win over Tennessee Tech. Hart added a pair of RBIs in HU's 12-10 victory against Florida A&M, reaching base in four of five games during the tournament.

In the circle, senior right-handed pitcher Holt delivered a strong opening statement, tossing 12.2 innings with a 2.76 ERA. She struck out 11 batters while issuing just four walks and limiting opponents to 11 hits. Holt earned two wins and a save across the five-game slate, highlighted by a five-inning effort against Tennessee Tech to secure her first victory of the season and a clutch relief appearance to close out the Bison's second win over the Golden Eagles.

Howard opened the 2026 campaign with victories over Tennessee Tech (6-3), Florida A&M (12-10) and Tennessee Tech (3-2), showcasing early momentum under pressure situations both offensively and in the circle.

The Bison return to action next weekend as they comepete in the annual HBCU Invitational in Covington, Ga.

For more information on Howard softball, visit the official Howard Athletics website www.HUBison.com.