WASHINGTON (March 30, 2018) – Howard University Softball team manufactured 14 hits but were unable to take down the Morgan State (MSU) Lady Bears as they fell in extras, 8-7, at the Nationals Youth Academy.
 
Senior Brooklyn Emory and freshman Trinity Gibbs led the charge with a team-high three hits apiece. Both Bison combined to go 6-of-10 with three doubles and two RBIs in the loss.
 
Although HU (3-26, 1-3 MEAC) produced seven runs on 14 hits, Howard had opportunities for more as they left 13 baserunners on the day.
 
MSU jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, but Howard tied the game after Gibb's RBI-double drove in newcomer Jocelyn Avera, 1-1.
 
Morgan State reclaimed the upper hand with two runs in the second, 3-1, but HU sliced the margin in half with Emory delivering a RBI-double down the right field line, bringing home redshirt freshman Zaria Hall, 3-2.
 
Bottom four, sophomore second baseman Kamryn Tillman put the Bison ahead with a two-run single to right field, 4-3.
 
Top six, the Lady Bears capitalized on Howard's errors and scored three times to take a 6-4 advantage after six.
 
Trailing in their potential final at-bat, HU rallied to tie the contest and force extra innings, 6-6.
 
Top nine, Morgan State regained the lead with two runs in the inning, 8-6.
 
Down, but not out, the Bison refused to go away. Avera drove in junior Alannah Baiyina and trimmed the deficit to one, 8-7, with the game-tying runner at third.
 
Next at-bat, MSU's Stephanie Rundlett would strikeout HU's final batter and give Morgan State the win.
 
In the circle, redshirt junior Mackenzi Steele tossed all nine innings for HU while striking out a season-best six Lady Bears in a losing effort.
 
Morgan State (10-14, 2-2 MEAC) also stranded double-digit runners (10). Gabriella Gorosave led the way, going 3-of-4 with a RBI in the victory.
 
Both squads wrap up the series with a Saturday doubleheader, starting at 11 a.m. at the Nationals Youth Academy.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.