Softball | 5/16/2025 5:18:00 PM

DURHAM, N.C., May 16, 2025 – The Howard University softball team dropped its NCAA Tournament opener to No. 14 national seed Duke, falling 12-0 in five innings on Friday afternoon at Duke Softball Stadium. 

The Blue Devils jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, scoring in each of the first four innings, including a five-run second and four-run fourth. Duke tallied 12 runs on 11 hits, while holding Howard to just two hits on the day. 

Senior pitcher Mia Gonzales took the loss in the circle for Howard, allowing four earned runs over 1.2 innings. Julia Holt also saw time in the circle for the Lady Bison pitching 2.1 innings surrendering five earned runs on seven hits. 

Offensively, Payton Quinonez and Lealani Ricks each recorded a single for Howard, the only hits Duke’s pitching staff allowed. The Lady Bison were unable to advance a runner past second base. 

With the loss, Howard moves into the consolation bracket of the Durham Regional and will face Coastal Carolina on Saturday, May 17, at 4 p.m.