NORFOLK, Va. – Reigning MEAC champion and top-seeded Howard University softball advanced to its second consecutive MEAC Championship game Friday evening, defeating No. 3 South Carolina State, 13-4, at TowneBank Field.
The Bison (27-17) exploded offensively early, scoring 13 runs over the first three innings to remain unbeaten in the conference tournament and continue their title defense.
South Carolina State struck first in the opening inning, capitalizing on an early Howard error to take a 1-0 lead.
Howard responded immediately in the bottom half when senior
Maryn Jordan (San Diego, Calif.) singled to start the rally before sophomore
Lauryn Jones (Denton, Texas) followed with a bunt single. After graduate student
Taylor Ames-Alexander (Lancaster, S.C.) advanced the runners with a sacrifice bunt, junior
Makyia Taylor (Temecula, Calif.) ripped a two-run double down the right field line to give the Bison a 2-1 lead. Moments later, junior
Angel Riggins (San Diego) delivered an RBI double of her own, extending the advantage to 3-1 after one inning.
Getting warmed up on the mound, Jiulia Holt made quick action at the top of the second in three-up-three-down fashion. Howard capitalized on its half of the inning. Freshman
Amirah Lenon (Chandler, Ariz.) reached on a bunt single before Jordan launched a two-run homer to center field, pushing the Bison lead to 5-1. Howard continued to pressure the Bulldogs defensively as Jones later stole home while Riggins added an RBI walk. Senior
Kelyse Stewart (Lee's Summit, Mo.) also brought in a run on a fielder's choice as Howard plated five runs in the inning, running away with an 8-1 lead.
South Carolina State answered with a run in the top of the third, but Howard quickly countered with another offensive surge in the bottom frame.
Freshman
Aniyah Whipper (Elk Grove, Calif.) drew a leadoff walk before the Bulldogs walked yet another Bison. Howard then capitalized on multiple Bulldog miscues as Jones drove in a run after reaching on an error. Ames-Alexander followed with an RBI single to left center before junior
Cheyenne Castille (Eastvale, Calif.) added another RBI hit through the right side. Junior
Wisdom Colbert (Jacksonville, Fla.) later brought home another run as the Bison stretched the lead to 13-2 after three innings.
South Carolina State attempted a late push in the fifth inning with a two-run single, but Howard closed out the victory to secure its spot in Saturday's championship contest.
Jordan led Howard offensively, finishing 2-for-2 with a home run, two RBI, three runs scored, and two walks. Taylor added two RBI while Castille recorded two hits and an RBI. Jones scored three times while Ames-Alexander finished with an RBI and a stolen base.
In the circle, sophomore
Aiko Conaway (Haymarket, Va.) earned the victory while senior
Julia Holt (Tucson, Ariz.) provided 4.2 innings of relief work.
Howard advances to the MEAC Championship game Saturday, May 9th at 3 PM for the second straight season as the reigning champions continue their pursuit of another conference title.
For more information on Howard University softball, visit the official Howard Athletics website at
www.hubison.com.
