Bethune-Cookman Sweeps North Carolina A&T; Remains Perfect in MEAC Play

GREENSBORO, N.C. -Bethune-Cookman recorded a 7-0 regular season finale victory over North Carolina A&T helped the Wildcats post an unbeaten record in MEAC play.

Bethune-Cookman (28-23 overall, 12-0 MEAC South) clinched the MEAC Southern Division championship last week, but were able to remain unbeaten in MEAC play for the season and extend a conference winning streak to 19 games.

Michelle Banuelos-Smith hit a three-run homer and Allison Garcia threw a five-hit shutout as Bethune-Cookman concluded the three-game sweep over North Carolina A&T (7-35,1-11). The Wildcats outscored the Aggies 36-8 in the series and hit six home runs.

Banuelos-Smith's homer in the third broke open a 1-0 game. Garcia, who also drove in a run, walked none and struck out four en route to her 21st victory of the season.

Kelsey Rodney, Simone Ceasar and Brianna Leverett each had two hits for the Wildcats.

For the complete story, visit www.bcuathletics.com or www.ncataggies.com

Bison Dominate Hawks, 15-5

WASHINGTON, DC - Marissa Coats knocked in six runs as the Howard University softball team dominated Maryland Eastern Shore (7-40, 2-13 MEAC) 15-5 in five innings on Sun. May 8 at Banneker Field. The Bison conclude the regular season 16-26 and 8-7 in conference play.

Samantha Gatson collected the win on the mound - fanning two batters and giving up six hits. Coats led the Bison at the plate, going a perfect 3-for-3 with three runs scored and six RBI.

HU started the game strong - erupting for seven runs in the bottom of the opening inning. Coats' homerun quickly gave the Bison a 3-0 advantage with no outs. Christine Sborz hit a two-run double which drove in Andascha Moore and Rebecca Kirshner. Subsequently, a run by Sborz and Brittany Barker gave Howard a comfortable 7-0 cushion heading into the top of the second.

The Hawks tried to chip into the advantage, but only managed two hits and a run to cut it to 7-1. The Bison exploded with eight more runs in the bottom of the frame - highlighted by Cierra Gordon's three-run homer to push the spread to 11-1. Gordon, who was held hitless the previous game, went 2-for-3 at bat with a run scored and five RBI. Coats also notched her second homerun of the game in the inning.

In the fourth inning, Charlise Castro homered to give the Hawks their second run. After posting 11 hits in the first three innings, the Bison were not allowed any hits in the bottom of the fourth. UMES added three more runs in the fifth, but fell short as the game ended via mercy rule at the conclusion of the top of the frame.

For the complete story, visit www.howard-bison.com or www.umeshawks.com 

 

DSU Drops Last Regular Season Game, 6-2, At Morgan State

BALTIMORE, Md. -Delaware State was held to just one hit through four innings and committed four errors en route to a 6-2 loss to Morgan State Sunday afternoon at Lois T. Murray Field.

Morgan State pitcher Megan Johnson gave up just a single to junior Tawny Reeger (Simi Valley, Calif.) in the top of the second while the Bears scored four runs on two hits and two errors in the bottom of the fourth inning.

DSU responded in the top of the fifth with a run and four hits of their own.

Sophomore Skye Boris (Magnolia, Del.) led off the frame with a single to left field and was then replaced by junior Leslie Pleasanton (Smyrna, Del.) as a pinch runner. Senior Allison Rubin (Glen Burnie, Md.) and freshman Samantha Gross (Glasgow, Del.) each singled to load the bases for the Hornets. Freshman Kelsey Lewis (Mt. Sinai, N.Y.) smacked an RBI single to score Pleasanton and bring DSU within four runs at 5-1 before the end of the inning.

The Hornets tried to make another comeback in the top of the sixth.  Junior Breanne Parr (Moorpark, Calif.) reached on a fielder's choice and advanced to second on a groundout by Boris.  Reeger tallied her second hit of the afternoon as she cracked an RBI single to score Parr and make things 5-2.

Two doubles in the bottom of the sixth from MSU turned into another run for the Bears who went on to win, 6-2.

Reeger was the sole DSU player to record multiple hits as she went 2-for-3 on the day with one RBI.

Freshman Stephanie Sarris (Rohnert Park, Calif.) started the game for the Hornets and pitched 2.0 innings, giving up just one hit batter.  Junior Casey Beighley (Los Angeles, Calif.) took the loss for DSU as she gave up five runs (four earned) on three hits and two walks.  Johnson earned her fifth win of the season for the Bears.

The Hornets wrap up the regular season with a 29-17 overall record and 11-4 in the MEAC.  MSU improved to 16-25 overall and 9-6 in conference play.

For the complete story, visit www.dsuhornets.com or www.morganstatebears.com