WASHINGTON, D.C. – Howard University softball split Saturday's doubleheader before falling in Sunday's series finale to Norfolk State, marking the Bison's first conference series loss of the season.

Game 1 Howard 8, Norfolk 0

Howard opened the doubleheader in dominant fashion, using timely hitting and a lights-out performance in the circle to secure an 8-0 run-rule victory over Norfolk State in five innings.

After a scoreless first inning, the Bison broke through in the second when Ariyah Allen (Converse, Texas) came around to score on a Norfolk State error, giving Howard an early 1-0 edge. The offense found its rhythm in the third, as Taylor Ames-Alexander (Lancaster, SC) crossed the plate on a fielder's choice before Angel Riggins (San Diego, Calif.) delivered a two-RBI single to center, extending the lead to 4-0.

Howard continued to apply pressure in the fourth inning. Cheyenne Castille (Eastvale, Calif.) sparked the rally with an RBI double to center, followed by a two-run double from Wisdom Colbert (Jacksonville, Fla.) to push the advantage to 7-0. The Bison capped the scoring in the fifth when Maryn Jordan (San Diego, Calif.) doubled home Aniyah Whipper (Elk Grove, Calif.), sealing the 8-0 win.

In the circle, Aiko Conaway (Haymarket, VA) was dominant, tossing a complete-game no-hitter while striking out five and allowing just one walk.

Offensively, Howard was led by Colbert and Castille, who each recorded two hits, while Riggins drove in a team-high two runs. Jordan added a pair of hits and an RBI, and Ames-Alexander scored twice in the win.

Game 2 Norfolk 3, Howard 2

Norfolk State responded early and held off a late Howard rally to take a 3-2 decision, splitting the doubleheader.

The Spartans struck in the second inning, using a two-run home run and an RBI single later in the frame to build a 3-0 lead. Howard threatened in the bottom half of the inning with three hits but was unable to push a run across.

The Bison continued to battle throughout, putting runners on base in multiple innings, but were kept off the scoreboard until the sixth. There, Howard finally broke through as Kelyse Stewart (Lee's Summit, MO) delivered a clutch two-RBI single to center, scoring Lauryn Jones (Denton, Texas) and Makyia Taylor (Temecula, Calif.) to cut the deficit to 3-2.

Howard had one final opportunity in the seventh, capitalizing on a pair of Norfolk State errors to put the tying run in scoring position, but the Spartans were able to record the final outs and secure the win.

Stewart led the Bison with two RBI, while Taylor paced the offense with two hits. Colbert and Ames-Alexander also added hits in the effort. In relief, Julia Holt was strong in the circle, allowing just one hit over four innings while striking out four.

Game 3 Norfolk 8, Howard 2

In the series finale, Norfolk State jumped out early and never looked back, defeating Howard 8-2 on Senior Day.

The Spartans plated four runs in the opening inning, highlighted by a two-RBI double followed by a two-run home run to take immediate control. Norfolk State added a solo home run in the third before extending the margin in the fifth with two more runs to make it 7-0.

Howard broke through in the bottom of the fifth, capitalizing on patience at the plate. With the bases loaded, Allen scored on an intentional walk drawn by Jordan, and freshman Amirah Lenon (Chandler, AZ) followed home on another bases-loaded walk by Ames-Alexander to cut the deficit to 7-2.

The Bison threatened again in the sixth, placing two runners on base, but were unable to capitalize. Norfolk State added a solo home run in the seventh to account for the final margin.

Jordan led Howard with a hit and an RBI, while Lenon added a hit and a run scored. Jones and Castille also recorded hits in the effort.

Howard now turns its attention to the MEAC Championship Tournament (May 6–9), where the Bison will look to defend their conference title.

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