Howard University Softball Salutes Senior Class

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Saturday, May 7 the Howard softball team will honor four of their graduating seniors in the team’s season finale against Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference opponent Maryland-Eastern Shore. Playing in their final home game of their career are seniors Jessica Hurston, Emily Johnson, Carly Martin and Christine Sborz.

Jessica Hurston (Pitcher, Wallingford, Conn., Mark T. Sheean H.S.)
Despite sitting out her senior season as a result of injury, Hurston has posted a colorful career as a member of the Howard softball team. In her freshman year she made 14 appearances on the mound and started in half of those appearances. She posted a 4-2 record in her first year with the Bison and garnered a save. Also in her first year, she posted a career-best of 29 strikeouts and by the end of her junior season she tallied 62 in total. Entering into her senior season she generated a 13-13 record, pitched 147.0 innings and garnered 19 starts in the circle. At the plate Hurston recorded a 0.393 career batting average, and recorded another career best in her freshman year with a .500 batting average in her 20 games of play.

Emily Johnson (Pitcher/OF, Jacksonville, Fla., Paxon School for Advanced Studies)
Entering into her final season with the Lady Bison, Johnson recorded 99 hits, 61 RBI, successfully stole 17-of-21 bases, scored 81 runs and boasted a 0.314 batting average. In her first three seasons she tallied 16 doubles, four triples and 11 home runs. Her junior year proved to be a breakout season in the pitcher’s circle as she delivered a 2.77 ERA, posted a career-high of three saves, which ranked her No. 28 in the nation, and won 7-of-10 games that she started. In that year she pitched 96 innings and struck out 110 batters. During her senior year Johnson has been stellar at the plate and on the mound as she struck out the most batters in a game for the Lady Bison this season with 10 against Bowie State (March 30, 2011) and is currently on an 11-game hitting streak, marking the longest streak of the year for the Bison. In her last year she led the Howard in batting average (.415), slugging percentage (.732), on base percentage (.468), triples (2), homers (5), walks (10), and also in pitching with ERA (4.99) and batters struck out (60).

Carly Martin (Pitcher/OF, Hanover, Md., Seton Keough H.S.)
As one of Howard’s leaders on the mound, Martin started in 49 games, made 74 appearances, and produced 23 wins throughout her career. Martin’s senior season came with many successes, notably when she recorded a 0.00 ERA and struck out three batters in HU’s 6-0 win over George Mason, making her the first Bison to bring forth a shutout win in the 2010-11 season. Martin was also recognized as the MEAC Pitcher of the Week (April 4-April 10) for tallying a 1.00 ERA against Coppin State and she went on to tie a then-season-best of four strikeouts for the fourth time. A day later against Coppin State she broke her season-best in strikeouts and took down an astounding seven batters. To date the senior has totaled 164 strikeouts and leads the Bison with most wins this season with eight.

Christine Sborz (Catcher, McLean, Va., Bishop Ireton H.S./Brevard C.C.)
After transferring to Howard her junior year, Sborz has posted 55 runs, 34 RBI, 93 hits and generated an honorable .314 batting average. During her senior year she posted a remarkable 14 doubles – the most posted by a Bison this season – a triple and two homers. Her .326 batting average earned her the No. 5 ranking on the team and she is currently slated third on the team in hits this year with 43, and is ranked fourth on the team in slugging percentage (.492) and runs scored (19). Sborz also tabbed a season-high of three hits on two occasions, first against Bowie State on March 30, 2011 and again against George Mason on April 6, 2011. Currently, Sborz is third on the team with most games with multiple hits (12). As the anchor behind the plate, Sborz has posted a 98.3 fielding percentage, slating her second-best for the Bison in that category, and has also caught 10 runners stealing.

By Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HOWARDBISON

Cox, Foote and Baker Earn NLC Honors

DAVIDSON, N.C. – After leaving Howard University with one of the most decorated lacrosse careers in the history of the program, senior Desiree Cox was named to the National Lacrosse Conference Second-Team All-Conference.

Last year Cox was name the NLC Attacker of the Year and compiled an astounding 68 goals, ranking her No. 7 in the nation. Her four goals per game average made her second-best in the country. She also posted 77 points, 26 draw controls and averaged 4.53 points per game in the 2009-10 season.

By the conclusion of the 2011 season Cox finished first on the team in goals (55), shots (126), draw controls (46) and points (57) and fourth in groundballs with 28.

Cox was also named to the 2011 NLC All-Academic Team alongside teammates Ashley Foote and Janae Baker.

To be eligible for recognition on the Academic All-League team, a student-athlete must be a sophomore in class standing, carry a GPA of 3.40 or above on a 4.0 scale, and have been a starter or key reserve. Cox, Foote and Baker earned grade point averages of 3.61, 3.57 and 3.42, respectively.

 Desiree Cox

First Team All-Conference
Goalie:
Juli Liebig – Longwood
Kristen Masullo - Liberty


Defense:
Lily Graham - Davidson
Rachel Hannon - Jacksonville
Hannah Riggs - Longwood

Midfield:
Alanna Parker - Davidson
Sara Kuhlman - High Point
Ellyn Spangenberg - Jacksonville
Cara O’Brian - Longwood

Attack:

Janae  Baker

Ann Fucigna - Davidson
Grace Gaeng - High Point
Morgan Derner – Jacksonville

Second Team All-Conference
Goalie:
Karli Tobin - Jacksonville

Defense:
Erin McGuire - Davidson
Jasmine Jordan - High Point
Courtney McLaughlin - High Point

Midfield:
Emily Bossonneault – Detroit
Kaitlin Stewart – Jacksonville
Jennifer Freymond – Liberty
Jamie Beamish – Presbyterian

Ashley Foote 

Attack:
Chelsea Thompson – High Point
Desiree Cox – Howard
Kelsey Dean – Longwood
Shannon Hartford - Presbyterian

Player of the Year
Goalie: Juli Liebig – Longwood
Defense: Lily Graham – Davidson
Midfield: Cara O'Brian – Longwood
Attack: Grace Gaeng – High Point
Coach of the Year: Lyndsey Boswell – High Point

By Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant

VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HOWARDBISON

Howard Softball Taken Down by Morgan State, 15-9

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After sacking two wins in Saturday’s doubleheader over Morgan State, the Lady Bison looked to sweep their MEAC opponent in order to increase their chances of gaining a birth to the MEAC Championship Tournament, but fell short as the Bears took game three 15-9 at Banneker Field on Sunday afternoon.

In the first inning the Lady Bison surrendered seven runs to the Bears before responding with three runs when their turn at the plate arrived. Emily Johnson led off the game with a double and Lorae Robinson singled, pushing Johnson to third. Marisa Coats scored Johnson on a RBI groundout to second base and Rebecca Kirshner homered to bring home the remaining two runs.

After shutting out the Lady Bears in the second, Robinson tied the game at 7-7 with a grand slam. Prior to Robinson’s blast out of the park, Trina Kindred singled to left, Andascha Moore doubled and Johnson walked to fill the bases.

Ciera Gordon scored to give the Bison their first lead of the game on a sacrifice fly by Kindred.

Two errors and back-to-back doubles helped the Lady Bears regained the lead after scoring five runs. Responding first for the Lady Bison was Robinson who reached base on a bunt. Marisa Coats scored Robinson on a double to right field.

In the fifth Carly Martin entered the game to relieve Emily Johnson who gave up five unearned runs on six hits. Before leaving the circle she struck out two batters and relieved starting pitcher Samantha Gatson who gave up four hits and the first four runs of the game.
The Bears scored three times increasing their lead, 15-9.

Howard attempted to take the game in the bottom of the seventh, but fell short as Johnson grounded out to the short stop for the third out of the frame – leaving Moore on second base and Martin at third.

Johnson took the loss on the mound – giving up eight runs in four innings of work. Robinson lead the Lady Bison at the plate, going 3-for-4 with four runs scored and four RBI.

The Lady Bison will take on Maryland Eastern Shore for their regular-season finale and senior day on May 7.

Boxscore

By Jamilah Corbitt, Assistant Director of Sports Information
VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HOWARDBISON
VISIT: MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
VISIT: MORGANSTATEBEARS

Six Howard Bison Homer in Wins Over Morgan State

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Howard softball team took down Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference opponent Morgan State on Saturday’s doubleheader winning game one, 7-4, and game two, 13-5. Six members of the Lady Bison (15-22, 6-5 MEAC) blasted a home run in the doubleheader giving HU a pair of wins.

Christine Sborz was the first HU player to knock one out of the park, as she brought in three runs in the first inning, following an RBI single by Marisa Coats earlier in the inning, pushing Howard to a 4-0 lead.

Shortstop Rebecca Kirshner blasted the Bison’s second homer in the sixth inning. Kirshner went 2-for-4 in the opening game, scored three times and recorded two RBI.

MSU (14-23, 7-4 MEAC) got back on the board with three runs, courtesy of a single and a home run of their own at the top of the third, leaving them one run behind Howard. The Lady Bison however, never surrendered their lead, and immediately responded to the Bears in the bottom of the third with a run.

Samantha Gatson and Emily Johnson split the mound as Gatson recorded the win while Johnson garnered the save. Gatson pitched the first three innings and allowed four hits, three runs and struck out one. Johnson pitched the remaining four innings, allowed three hits, one run and struck out six batters. Neither pitcher surrendered a walk.

In game two, Howard posted four homers and doubled the Bears in hits, 12-6. The Lady Bison got off to another big lead with four runs in the bottom of the first on four hits. Center fielder Lorae Robinson got on base first with a bunt single and went on to steal second. Coats doubled to bring Robinson home, and scored herself following a single by Kirshner. Immediately following Kirshner was Ciera Gordon who posted Howard’s third homer of the day.


Videographer: Howardgospelchoir; The Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University sings "Thank You, Lord" during the Release Tour (Spring Break 2011 Tour) at the Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church (Atlanta, GA). Soloist: LaJoyce Denson

In the second inning, Morgan State responded with three runs along with their first homer of the game. Howard was silenced in the second when it was their turn at the plate, but went on to score runs in each of the remaining four frames.

In the third inning both Trina Kindred and Johnson blasted home runs and Coats followed suit in the bottom of the sixth to end the game and give HU their second win of the day.

Martin was given the win as she struck out two, allowed two runs and two hits. Johnson who started off the game, also struck out two and gave up three runs and four hits.

The Lady Bison softball team will look to sweep Morgan State tomorrow when the teams face off at noon in hopes of securing a spot to the MEAC Championship tournament in Daytona, Fla. Visit www.howard-bison.com for more updates on the Howard softball team.

By Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HOWARDBISON
VISIT: MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
VISIT: MSUBEARS

Howard University Lacrosse Falls Short in NLC Consolation Game to Liberty, 16-13

DAVIDSON, N.C. – After dropping to Jacksonville in the National Lacrosse Conference quarterfinals, the Howard lacrosse team was awarded a consolation game where they faced the Liberty Flames. Despite fighting back from a seven-point deficit, the Lady Bison (4-13) were unable to score enough before time expired, officially ending their season with a 16-3 loss. Ironically just one year ago, the tables were turned as the Lady Bison defeated Liberty (7-11) in their final game of the 2010 season with a 17-11 victory.

Liberty got off to a 3-0 start before Cynithia Smalls got on board for the Lady Bison with 22:57 on the clock. Senior Desiree Cox added a goal while freshmanCourtland Lackey tacked on two scores in the first half.

The score was 10-4 by halftime and Howard began their offensive attack to attempt to get back in the game and went on a 5-2 run until the clock hit 10:51.

2011 Howard University LAX ROSTER

Smalls, Cox and Lackey scored in the run before Liberty scattered the third goal of the half, pushing the game to a 13-9 score. Cox scored two back-to-back goals to inch Howard within two goals, the closest that the Bison had been to Liberty's lead all game. Liberty, however, slowly pulled away with two additional goals and another in the final minutes of the game.

Lackey and senior Ashley Lawrence also scored late in the game, but it was not enough to overcome the Flames' then-15-13 lead.

Both Lackey and Cox finished with five goals a piece to led the Bison while Smalls finished with two goals and the Bison's lone assist. Lackey also led the team in groundballs with five while Cox recorded four draw controls. Both Smalls and Lackey tallied a pair of caused turnovers.

For more information on the Lady Bison lacrosse team, visit www.howard-bison.com.

By Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HOWARDBISON

Howard Lacrosse Drops to Jacksonville in NLC Quarterfinals

Saturday, Apr. 30
Howard  vs. Liberty, 9 a.m. —  Live Stats •Live Video
Jacksonville vs. Davidson, 11:30 a.m. —  Live Stats •Live Video
High Point vs. Longwood, 2 p.m. —  Live Stats •Live Video
Presbyterian vs. Detroit Mercy, 4:30 p.m. — Live Stats •Live Video

DAVIDSON, N.C. – The Howard lacrosse team fell in the quarterfinals of the National Lacrosse Conference Tournament on Friday at Richardson Stadium at the hands of the Jacksonville Dolphins. Senior Desiree Cox and freshman Courtland Lackey led the Bison with three goals a piece in the 22-7 loss.

Lackey got Howard (4-12) on the board quickly with 28:55 on the clock, responding to JU’s Morgan Derner who scored in the opening seconds of the match. Jacksonville (13-4) went on to take a 13-0 run in the first half before Cox and Chastity Dailey recorded late goals. Lackey was the only member of the Bison to record an assist, giving her four points in the game to lead Howard.

Howard’s leading scorers – Lackey and Cox – each dispersed two goals in the second half helping the Lady Bison to hold their NLC opponents 7-4 after halftime. Goalkeeper Amber Meeks recorded 15 saves in the match while Dolphin’s Elizabeth Gatch recorded four.

Overall HU was outshot 46-15 and Jacksonville maintained the draw control advantage 21-10. Cox was credited with four draw controls on behalf of HU. The Lady Bison were narrowly edged in groundballs 28-19. Leading the Bison in groundballs was Sydney Satchell with five. Five members of the Lady Bison recorded a caused turnover.

The loss marked the second time the Lady Bison dropped to the Dolphins this season. The Lady Bison will face Liberty University at 9:00 a.m. Saturday in the double elimination tournament.

For more updates on the Howard lacrosse team during the offseason, visit www.howard-bison.com.

By Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HOWARDBISON
VISIT: NATIONALLACROSSECONFERENCE
VISIT: Howard- Website •Stats •Roster •Schedule

Gatson, Johnson Homers Not Enough to Beat Towson

TOWSON, MD. – The Howard softball team fell to the Towson Tigers in the opening game of the recently scheduled doubleheader, 5-2 on Wednesday afternoon. The Bison were unable to bounce back from the loss as the second game went unfinished as a result of weather and darkness.

Emily Johnson got points on the board first for the Lady Bison with a leadoff home run to left center. Several HU errors, however, gave the Tigers a chance to answer back with two runs in the bottom of the first and two more in the bottom of the fourth.

Samantha Gatson got Howard back on board and delivered a solo-homer to kick off the fifth inning, making it a 4-2 game. Towson went on to shutout the Lady Bison for the remainder of the game and tallied their final run in the sixth on a two-out RBI double by Rachel Miller.

Both Gatson and Johnson split the mound, but the loss went to Gatson who pitched four innings and gave up four unearned runs, four hits and two walks. She struck out one batter while Johnson took down three in her two innings in the circle. Johnson gave up one earned run on two hits. Katie Lingmai pitched the entire game for the Tigers and recorded nine strikeouts while eight Bison players garnered a hit.

The Bison topped the Tigers in hits, 8-6.

Up next, the Lady Bison softball team will look to sack a win over MEAC opponent Morgan State at home on Saturday, April 30 in the final stretch of the regular season. For more updates on the Howard softball team, visit www.howard-bison.com.

By Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HOWARDBISON

Harrison's new destiny is Division I athlete at Howard University

Seoul American's Destinee Harrison blasts a spike kill past the block
 of Osan American's Alina Hauter during Saturday's Korean-American
 Interscholastic Activities Conference girls volleyball match.

Destinee Harrison is taking her volleyball game to a new level.

Seoul American’s two-time All-Far East Division I Tournament middle blocker on Thursday signed a national letter of intent and accepted a full volleyball scholarship at Howard University in Washington starting next fall.

“I think I made the right choice,” Harrison said. “It’s a prestigious school and when I went there, everybody was so welcoming and (coach Dawn Barnes) was a really nice lady and made the process very easy.”

Playing Division I volleyball is a lifelong dream come true, Harrison said. “People are always going to be nervous about change, but more than nervous, I’m excited about playing at the Division I level.

READ MORE, CLICK TITLE.

VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HOWARDBISON

Howard Drops Series to Hampton with Sunday Loss

HAMPTON, VA. – After trading wins with the Lady Pirates in their Saturday doubleheader, the Howard softball team dropped the weekend series to their MEAC rival after falling 4-2 on Sunday. Overall, the Lady Bison (13-23, 4-5 MEAC) went 1-2 over the weekend.

Howard crossed home plate first giving the Bison the quick 1-0 lead in the first. Rebecca Kirshner sent a shot to right field to bring home Lorae Robison who scored from second. The Lady Bison responded with a RBI double to tie the game at one all.

Following a scoreless second inning, Howard gave up three runs in the bottom of the third, pushing the Lady Pirates (12-26, 5-4 MEAC) ahead 4-1. The Lady Bison were unable to produce a run until the seventh inning when Andascha Moore scored on Emily Johnson's groundout to shortstop. The run would not be enough to cut Hampton's 4-2 lead, giving the Lady Pirates the series, 2-1.

Robinson, Johnson and Ciera Gordon led the Lady Bison with two hits, each went 2-for-3 at the plate.



Starting off the game on the mound was Samantha Gatson. In the opening three innings Gatson allowed five hits and three earned runs and fell to a 5-6 record on the season. Johnson also made an appearance in the circle and went on to strike out five and allowed one hit. Johnson pitched the final three innings and kept Hampton scoreless for the remainder of the game.

The Lady Bison softball team will host MEAC opponent Morgan State on April 30 and Maryland Eastern Shore on May 7 for the final regular season games of the year. On May 12 the team will make their way to Daytona, Fla. for the MEAC Championship Tournament.

Visit www.howard-bison.com/ for more information on the Howard softball team.

Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HOWARDATHLETICS

Howard University Gospel Choir - Spring Break 2011 Tour

The Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University sings "Don't Wait til the Battle is Over" during the Release Tour (Spring Break 2011 Tour) at the Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church [Atlanta, GA]. This song was incorporated in a medley of songs that was a special tribute to the late Bishop Walter Hawkins.

Soloist: Clifton Ross, III



The Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University sings "Going up Yonder" during the Release Tour (Spring Break 2011 Tour) at the Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church [Atlanta, GA]. This song was incorporated in a medley of songs that was a special tribute to the late Bishop Walter Hawkins.

Soloist: Kristen Taylor



The Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University sings "Jesus Christ is the Way" during the Release Tour (Spring Break 2011 Tour) at the Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church [Atlanta, GA]. This song was incorporated in a medley of songs that was a special tribute to the late Bishop Walter Hawkins.

Soloist: LaJoyce Denson



The Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University sings "Expect the Great" during the Release Tour (Spring Break 2011 Tour) at the Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church [Atlanta, GA].

Soloist: Clifton Ross, III



The Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University sings "Be Grateful" during the Release Tour (Spring Break 2011 Tour) at the Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church [Atlanta, GA].

Soloist: Jazzmen Johnson



The Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University sings "Be Transformed" during the Release Tour (Spring Break 2011 Tour) at the Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church [Atlanta, GA].



The Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University sings "Changed" during our Spring 2011 Concert at Cramton Auditorium [Howard University Main Campus]. This song was incorporated in a medley of songs that was a special tribute to the late Bishop Walter Hawkins.

Guest Soloist: Christina Miles

Howard Lady Bison Split Doubleheader with Hampton

HAMPTON, VA. – The Lady Bison softball team faced off against MEAC rival Hampton and traded wins in the doubleheader on Sunday afternoon. Howard (13-22, 4-4 MEAC) dropped a close game to Hampton (11-26, 4-4 MEAC) in game one, 9-7, but stole the second game, to beat the Lady Pirates, 6-1.

In the first game Howard got off to a 2-0 lead in the first inning and scored another duo of runs in the third. Hampton caught up with the Lady Bison and grossed four runs in the bottom of the third to tie the game.

Howard bolted three runs in the fifth courtesy of Samantha Gatson who ignited a 3-run homer. The Lady Pirates matched Howard again with a home run of their own that brought in two runs and scored their third run of the inning on a wild pitch.

Gatson took over the pitching reigns following the Pirate homer from Carly Martin. Martin – the reigning MEAC Pitcher of the Week – struck out four batters, walked two and allowed ten hits before leaving the game.

Howard remained scoreless the remainder of the game, helping Hampton to secure the win following their two runs scored in the bottom of the sixth.

Gatson struck out two batters, walked one and kept the Pirates hitless. Meanwhile at the plate, Rebecca Kirshner led the Bison with three hits.

Game two proved to hold a different atmosphere as Emily Johnson set the tone of the game with a leadoff home run. The Lady Bison went on to outhit Hampton 11-2.

Johnson finished the game with the most hits (3) while Marissa Coats and Christine Sborz added two hits each. Coats led the team with four RBI.

Gatson made her second appearance of the day, striking out three batters and allowed one walk.
The Howard softball team will resume play on April 30 and will play host to MEAC opponent Morgan State. Visit www.howard-bison.com for more updates on the Lady Bison softball team.

By Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HOWARDBISON

Howard's Cox, Lackey Split 10 Goals in Final Road Game

DETROIT, MICH. – The Howard lacrosse team dropped to Detroit Mercy 20-14 in their final road game of the regular season. The Lady Bison (3-10, 0-7 NLC) was led by their top-two leading scorers – Desiree Cox andCourtland Lackey – who grossed 10 of HU's 14 goals, splitting five scores a piece.

Lackey was first to score for the Bison after the Titans (3-10, 2-5 NLC) jumped off to a 4-0 lead in the first ten minutes of play. Detroit would score two back-to-back goals before the Lady Bison rallied a trio of goals byChastity Dailey, Lackey and Cox, shortening Detroit's lead, 6-4.

Cox led another offensive attack in the final six minutes, giving HU it's first two goals in a late 4-0 run and put Howard within one goal of tying Detroit, who at this point led 9-8. Both NLC opponents traded goals until the final seconds of the half and HU trailed two goals as Detroit held the 11-9 advantage.


Videographer: HUReaction; Drew Hall Step Team - HU RestFest 2011

Although Detroit outshot the Bison 26-12 and doubled HU in groundballs (20-10), solid defensive play by Howard goalkeeperAmber Meeks helped to keep the game close as she finished the half with eight saves compared to the Titans who were held to zero.

Howard nearly matched Detroit in draw controls in the first period with 10 while the Titans finished with 11. Ashley Footesacked five draw controls in the game to lead the team. She also finished first on the team in groundballs with four and was one of five Bison to cause a turnover.

In the second half, the scoring frenzy slowed on both sides, HU was outscored by Detroit however, 5-9.

Detroit got off to another 4-0 lead before Cox chimed in with a Bison goal. Cox would score again and Lackey also scored twice in the final half. Ashley Lawrence scored Howard's 14th and final goal of the game before Detroit went on to score three more before time expired.

The Lady Bison lacrosse team will return to Greene Stadium for their season finale on Wednesday, April 20 against Fresno State at 7 p.m. For more information on the Howard lacrosse team, visit www.howard-bison.com.

By Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HOWARDBISON

Howard Lady Bison Rallies 6-5 Win Over CSU in Eight Innings

BALTIMORE, MD. – The Lady Bison softball team secured the game-winning runs at the top of the eighth inning and blocked Coppin State from scoring the tying run at the plate, landing them the thrilling 6-5 win on Monday at the Coppin State field.

Rebecca Kirshner was placed on second utilizing international tie-breaker rules and advanced to third courtesy of Carly Martin’s sac fly to right field. Trina Kindred and Samantha Gatson went on to bring in the final two runs of the game, giving Howard (12-21, 3-3 MEAC) the 6-4 lead.

Melanie Buck gave Coppin State (8-11, 2-4 MEAC) one run with an RBI single to shallow centerfield. Howard prevented Tiffani Whaley from scoring from first base and caught her at the plate for the final out on the relay throw from Kindred.

The win gave Howard the series as the Lady Bison took the 2-3 advantage over the Lady Eagles. Both teams went even at the plate with 11 hits each.

Martin pitched the complete game and walked one in addition to striking out seven batters, marking a season-high.

Lorae Robinson led the Bison with three hits and scored two runs while Marisa Coats, Emily Johnson, and Kirshner added two hits each. Coats chimed in with two RBI.

The Lady Bison softball team will take on Morgan State on April 30 followed by Maryland Eastern Shore on May 7 before heading to Daytona, Fla. for the MEAC Tournament on May 12.

Visit www.howard-bison.com for more information on Howard softball.



By Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HOWARDBISON

Join The Bison Nation: Howard Athletics add Five New Coaches in 2010-2011

Howard University Athletics has added five new head coaches to their staff in 2010 and 2011 along with a new athletics director, Louis "Skip" Perkins, a native of Fort Washington, Maryland.


VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HOWARDBISON

Howard U's Carly Martin Named MEAC Pitcher of the Week

Senior Pitcher Carly Martin
Click Here to Read Carly's Article,
"My Life as an Athlete: The Minority Experience"

NORFOLK, VA. – Senior pitcher Carly Martin of the Howard softball team was selected as the Pitcher of the Week (April 4-April 10) while Delaware State’s Jordan Reid and Stephanie Martello were named Player of the Week and Freshman of the Week, respectively. Junior Trina Kindred also represented HU as she was recognized as a Top Performer of the Week.

Martin went 1-0 over the course of the week and was recognized for her performance over Coppin State, where she led the Lady Bison to a 3-1 defeat over their conference opponent.

The senior tallied a 1.00 ERA against Coppin State and pitched a full seven innings. Martin went on to strike out four batters, tying a season-best, and marked the fourth time she reached this benchmark. The last time Martin took out four batters came on March 12 against Creighton.

Martin allowed seven hits and walked one batter against her opponent. Martin’s single walk tied another season-best and marked her fifth consecutive appearance where she gave up only one walk.

Martin has improved to 6-4 on the season, holds a 5.26 ERA and has struck out 29 batters thus far in the 2010-11 season.

Also making large production for the Lady Bison over the course of the week was Kindred who went 7-of-15 from the plate (.467) and boasted four RBI and a double in HU’s five games played.
Kindred’s four RBI came in Howard’s 8-5 win over George Mason, marking a season-best for the second baseman.

The Lady Bison have two remaining games in the regular season – against conference opponents Morgan State on April 30 and Maryland Eastern Shore on May 7 – before they depart to Daytona, Fla. for the MEAC Championship Tournament on May 12.


Videographer: HUReaction; Mr.& Miss Howard University Pageant 2011(4/8/11).

Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HOWARDBISON

Howard Softball Trades Wins with With Coppin State

BALTIMORE, MD. – The Howard softball team traded wins with Coppin State in their Sunday doubleheader. The games were originally scheduled for Saturday, April 9, but were postponed due to threat of bad weather. The Lady Bison (11-21, 2-3 MEAC) dropped the first game to Eagles (8-10, 2-3 MEAC), 5-3 in eight innings of play, but conquered their conference opponent in the second, 3-1.

Centerfielder Lorae Robinson led the Bison at the plate, hitting .750 and recorded HU’s first RBI of the game on an infield single to shortstop in the top of the second.

Howard scattered five additional hits in the third through fifth innings, but didn’t post any additional runs until the sixth where they dished out their final two runs of the game on a trio of hits. Robinson singled to right, advancing Trina Kindred to third who made it on base on an infield single to shortstop earlier in the inning. Emily Johnson secured the game for the Bison and fired a triple to right field with two outs, bringing home two insurance runs.

The triple was Johnson’s second of the season, and inched herself one RBI behind Rebecca Kirshner in most runs batted in on the team this season with 14.

Overall the Lady Bison outhit the Eagles 14-7 in game two. Carly Martin pitched the entire game and recorded four strikeouts and one walk.


Videographer: MarshGoody; A Day in the Life: Howard University Student Athletes

Unlike the second game, Howard was unable to shutout the Lady Eagles for six straight innings, instead the game remained scoreless on both sides until the fourth inning where HU broke the stalemate with two runs. Kirshner opened the inning with a single and scored on the next at bat where Christine Sborz delivered a double to left centerfield. Sborz went on the score HU’s second run following an Eagles fielding error.

Howard maintained their 2-0 lead until the sixth inning where Coppin State scored a run on two hits. Johnson was brought to the mound to take over for Samantha Gatson who struck out five, walked one and allowed one run on four hits. CSU would tie the game on an unearned run.

In the eighth the Lady Bison regained the lead after Kirshner tallied a monumental RBI single. The game unraveled for HU during Coppin State’s final at bat as the tying run scored on two back-to-back illegal pitches and the winning run was brought home on a two-run homer.

Johnson gave up three runs on four hits and struck out a batter during her time in the circle. The Lady Bison softball team will break until April 30 where they will play Morgan State in Washington, D.C. and then Maryland Eastern Shore on May 7 for their final games of the regular season. The MEAC Tournament will take place in Daytona, Fla. beginning May 12.

Visit www.howard-bison.com for more information on the Howard softball team.

BOXSCORE

By Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HOWARD BISON

Howard's Lackey Scores Three in Loss to Jacksonville

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Howard lacrosse team returned to Greene Stadium after a six-game road campaign, marking their first National Lacrosse Conference match at home. The Lady Bison (3-10, 0-6 NLC) faced off against NLC leader Jacksonville, but were unable to overcome the Dolphin’s (11-4, 6-0 NLC) 15-goal first half lead and eventually fell 22-6.

Howard contained the NLC’s No. 1 team in the opening minutes of the game as the Dolphins scattered only two scores in the first ten minutes of play. HU surrendered the draw control advantage (12-5), allowing Jacksonville to score 13 additional goals by the end of the first.

Cynithia Smalls was the only member of the Bison to score in the first half where she sliced JU’s 8-goal run.

Senior Desiree Cox was shutout of the first half and attempted to score within the final minutes, but was unable to convert her two shots into points on the board.

After JU scored two early goals in the second, the control of the game transitioned into the hands of the Lady Bison. Until the final five minutes left in regulation, HU held Jacksonville to three goals and led 5-3 in the half.

Ashley Lawrence was the first to score for the Bison and Courtland Lackey went on to add three goals. Cheryse Cox also chimed in, nailing Howard’s fourth goal of the game.

The Dolphins would regain an offensive momentum however, and went on a 4-0 run in the final two minutes, concluding the game at 22-6.



Howard tallied 12 groundballs compared to JU’s seven but were outshot, 39-16. Ashley Foote led Howard with seven groundballs while Lackey led with five shots.

Up next the Lady Bison will take on Detroit Mercy for their final away game on April 16 at noon before returning back to Greene Stadium for the season finale against Fresno State at 7 p.m. For more information on the Howard lacrosse team, visit www.howard-bison.com.

By Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
Howard University

VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HOWARDBISON

HU Bison Softball Drop To DSU In Final Inning

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After maintaining the lead for the entire game, the Howard softball team lost grip of the win as they allowed three runs in the final inning, giving Delaware State the 3-4 victory on Thursday afternoon. The game was rescheduled after a threat of bad weather on April 4 and followed a doubleheader split where both teams recorded a win.

The game was scoreless until the bottom of the third where the Lady Bison (10-20, 1-2 MEAC) posted a 2-0 lead following hits by Trina Kindred, Christine Sborz and Lorae Robinson and two DSU errors. Delaware State (19-10, 2-1 MEAC) responded with a run in the fourth as Casey Beighley launched a solo homerun.

Rebecca Kirshner immediately rallied back and homered in the bottom of the fifth inning bringing HU up, 3-1. The homerun marked her second of the season, tying her with Emily Johnson for most homers on the team this season.

Two Bison errors in the seventh coupled with four hits by the Lady Hornets caused a three-run rally that allowed Delaware State to steal the game. Howard was shutout at the plate in their final turn at bat, giving Delaware State the 2-1 advantage in the series.

Johnson pitched the majority of the game, but traded spots with Samantha Gatson with two outs in the seventh. Gatson was able to land a strikeout to end the inning, but it came after a Delaware State RBI double. Prior to being relieved, Johnson recorded two strikeouts, three walks and allowed five hits.

Kirshner, Kindred and Robison led the Lady Bison with two hits each. The trio currently leads the team at the plate, averaging .352, .341, and .317, respectively.

The Lady Bison softball team will look to bounce back from their loss as they travel to meet Coppin State on April 9. Visit www.howard-bison.com for more information on Howard softball.

By Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY

HU Lady Bison Softball Split Two With George Mason

FAIRFAX, VA. – The Howard softball team returned to the field after a postponed meeting with Delaware State due to weather to face off against George Mason in a doubleheader on Wednesday. The Lady Bison (10-17) split the two games, taking a 3-1 win after suffering a 6-2 loss.

The last time the two teams met was on March 20 at the Cherry Blossom Classic where the Lady Bison gained their first shutout win of the season, taking down the Patriots (11-17) 6-0. This time around GMU would be the team to turn out six runs however, as the Patriots doubled Howard in hits with eight in the first game.

HU nabbed their lone pair of runs in the fifth inning after freshman Brittany Barker opened with an infield single to shortstop. Andascha Moore reached first on a fielder’s choice and went on to steal second. Trina Kindred singled to left, advancing Moore to third. Upon the throw to third base Kindred cruised to second. After Christine Sborz walked to load the bases, Lorae Robinson reached first on a fielder’s choice as Moore was called out at the plate. Marissa Coats launched a single to center that scored Sborz and Kindred and tied the game at two a piece.

After Howard put in work to even off the game, George Mason produced two additional runs in the bottom of the fifth and scored two more in the sixth. Pitcher Ashley Turner was called in to relieve Emily Johnson in the fifth after she gave up a double and inside the park homer. Johnson allowed four runs and five hits in 4.1 innings and managed to strike out six. Turner gave up three hits and two runs.

In game two Howard dominated at the plate and tallied 16 hits compared to George Mason’s five. Howard rallied five hits in the top of the first and racked in two runs. The Bison shutout GMU until the fifth and sixth inning where the Patriots scored two runs in both innings.

Howard secured the game with three runs in the seventh inning. Rebecca Kirshner opened the final inning with a double down the left field line and eventually advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt laid down by Johnson. Kindred brought in two runs on a single to right field with two outs, bringing home Kirshner and Barker who was hit by a pitch earlier in the inning. Sborz brought in the final run of the game after she singled to center.

GMU managed to deliver a final run, but were unable to break Howard’s three-run lead. Kindred led the Lady Bison with four RBI and batted .750 at the plate (3-for-4). Sborz also tallied three hits, joining her seven teammates who tallied a hit during the game.

Samantha Gatson pitched the entire game and recorded seven strikeouts.

Up next the Lady Bison will face off against Delaware State for their rescheduled matchup at noon at home. Visit http://www.howard-bison.com/ for more information on the Howard softball team.

By Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant

VISIT:  Howard University
VISIT:  HOWARDBISON.COM

Howard Splits Doubleheader with Delaware State

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Howard softball team hosted their first home games of the season featuring a doubleheader against Delaware State. The Lady Bison (9-16, 1-1 MEAC) split the two games, claiming a 6-1 win following their 4-1 loss to DSU (18-10, 1-1).

Eight HU players accounted for the team’s 11 hits, as Emily Johnson led the way with three. Johnson who had one of her best days at the plate, was coming off one of her best days in the pitcher’s circle as she notched a team high 10 strikeouts against Bowie State two games earlier. Shortstop Rebecca Kirshner also chimed in with a pair of hits in the win.

Kirshner got things going for the Lady Bison in the bottom of the second with a leadoff single. Johnson immediately followed with a single of her own. Freshman Brittany Baker brought Kirshner home on an RBI single. Barker later scored in the inning on a single by Andascha Moore.

The Lady Bison posted four more runs in the fourth inning after posting five hits. Trina Kindred started another rally within the lineup with a one-out single. Christine Sborz and Lorae Robinson followed Kindred with singles of their own. Robinson’s single would load the bases and Marisa Coats walked, giving Howard their first run of the inning. Kirshner grounded out to third, allowing Sborz to score from third. Johnson and Ciera Gordon posted back-to-back RBI singles, bringing home Robinson and Coats, respectively.

Carly Martin was awarded the win and pitched all seven innings. She struck out two, walked one and allowed seven hits.

In the previous game, Howard and Delaware State evened one another in hits with eight a piece. HU pitcher Samantha Gatson gave up two back-to-back walks to start the third inning, giving DSU room to produce two runs off two hits in the inning.

Howard surrendered two additional runs in the fifth inning after Jordan Reid of DSU reached first on a fielding error and returned home following a homer by Andrea Waters.

The Lady Bison scored their lone run of the game in the bottom of the fourth. Coats leadoff with a double and two batters later Johnson doubled to bring Coats home.

Gatson was credited with the loss and recorded one strikeout, two walks and gave up eight hits. For more information on the Howard softball team, visit howard-bison.com.

Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
Howard University


Videographer: iamcaprikorn; Howard University ShowTime Marching Band - "Skin Im In"