WASHINGTON, D.C. – Howard softball claimed its third straight MEAC series with a 3-0 (6-0, 14-5, 8-3) sweep against South Carolina State over the weekend at Nationals Youth Academy.

HOWARD 6, SOUTH CAROLINA STATE 0
Howard opened the series with a dominant shutout performance behind sophomore pitcher Aiko Conaway (Haymarket, Va.), who tossed a complete-game three-hitter while striking out six to improve to 2-0 on the season.

The Bison struck early in the first inning when graduate student Taylor Ames-Alexander (Lancaster, S.C.) reached base and came around to score on an RBI double from Makyia Taylor (Temecula, Calif.), giving Howard a 1-0 lead.

Howard's defense held firm early, limiting South Carolina State to no hits through the first three innings. A key defensive highlight came in the fourth inning, when the Bison executed a clutch double play to erase a scoring threat at the plate.

After several scoreless frames, the Bison broke the game open in the fifth inning. Ames-Alexander delivered an RBI double, followed by an RBI single from Kelyse Stewart (Lee's Summit, Mo.). Aggressive baserunning extended the lead, highlighted by Ames-Alexander stealing home.

The inning was capped by Taylor, who launched a two-run home run to center field, pushing the lead to 6-0.

Howard finished with eight hits in the contest, led by Taylor (2-for-3, HR, 3 RBI) and Ames-Alexander (2-for-4, 2 runs, RBI).


HOWARD 14, SOUTH CAROLINA STATE 5
The Bison bats came alive in Game 2, erupting for 14 runs in a high-scoring victory.

After surrendering a leadoff home run in the first inning, Howard responded immediately with a five-run bottom half. Makyia Taylor and Merci Hart (Los Angeles, Calif.) each drove in runs, while Aniyah Whipper (Elk Grove, Calif.) delivered a two-RBI single to give the Bison a 5-1 advantage.

South Carolina State answered with a four-run second inning to tie the game at 5-5, but Howard quickly regained control.

The Bison plated four runs in the second inning, highlighted by RBI efforts from Wisdom Colbert (Jacksonville, Fla.) and Tori Trotter (Lacey, Wash.), along with another two-RBI hit from Whipper.

Howard continued to apply pressure in the fourth inning. Colbert tripled and scored, while Maryn Jordan (San Diego, Calif.) created havoc on the basepaths with multiple walks and stolen bases.

The biggest blow came again from reigning MEAC Player of the Year Taylor, who crushed a three-run home run to extend the lead to 14-5 and seal the victory.

Howard totaled eight hits but capitalized on 11 walks and aggressive baserunning to control the game.

Whipper led the way with four RBI, while Taylor finished with four RBI and three runs scored. Colbert added a triple and scored three runs in the win.


HOWARD 8, SOUTH CAROLINA STATE 3
Howard completed the weekend sweep with an 8-3 victory over the Bulldogs, using a decisive third inning to take control of the series finale.

The Bison struck first in the opening frame when Colbert (Jacksonville, Fla.) lifted a sacrifice fly to bring home Maryn Jordan for an early 1-0 lead.

South Carolina State responded in the second inning with back-to-back solo home runs to take a 2-1 advantage, but Howard answered back in the third.

The Bison erupted for seven runs on five hits, capitalizing on defensive miscues and aggressive baserunning. Janis Sutton (Marysville, Calif.) ignited the rally and later delivered a two-RBI triple, while Jordan added an RBI single. Colbert and Taylor each drove in runs, while Hart and Cheyenne Castille (Eastvale, Calif.) contributed RBI plays to extend the lead to 8-2.

In the circle, Hope Uzzle (Staten Island, N.Y.) earned the win in relief, combining with Conaway, Jaidyn Devore (Barnwell, S.C.), and Julia Holt (Tucson, Ariz.) to limit the Bulldogs to three runs on five hits. The pitching staff struck out nine and worked around late pressure to secure the victory.

Sutton led the offense with two hits and two RBI, while Jordan scored twice and added an RBI. The Bison also showcased their speed with multiple stolen bases, keeping constant pressure on the defense.

The Bison return to action Friday, April 3rd for a MEAC doubleheader against North Carolina Central University in Durham, N.C., with first pitch set for 1 p.m. and the series finale Saturday, April 4th at 12 p.m.

For more information on Howard University softball, visit www.HUBison.com.