NORFOLK, Va. — The Norfolk State softball team closes out the 2026 regular season this weekend with a road trip to the Nation's Capital to face Howard in a three-game MEAC series. 

FOLLOW ALONG
Fans can follow the action via live stats on Howard's website.  

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE

• Saturday, April 25 – at Howard (DH) | 11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.  
• Sunday, April 26 – at Howard | 12 p.m. 

ABOUT NORFOLK STATE
The Spartans enter the weekend after securing a 2-1 series win over Morgan State. Norfolk State split Saturday's doubleheader, earning a 6-1 victory in game one before falling 11-2 (5 inn.), and responded with a 10-2 (5 inn.) win on Sunday to clinch the series. 

AT THE PLATE
Norfolk State brings a balanced lineup into the finale, led by Maddy Morris, who is batting .368 with 10 home runs and 28 RBIs. Kailey Bryant leads the team with 44 hits, adding 12 doubles and 13 stolen bases, while Aniyah Michalak contributes a .324 average with 25 runs scored and 10 steals at the top of the order. 

In the middle, Bristyl Riddick is hitting .330 with six home runs and 27 RBIs, while Qween Edmonds adds 36 hits, 10 doubles, and 15 RBIs. Kachelle Refour rounds out the lineup hitting .298, giving the Spartans consistent production throughout the order. 

IN THE CIRCLE
Norfolk State is led by Maddy Morris, who owns a 10-5 record with a 1.75 ERA and 50 strikeouts across 88.0 innings, including seven complete games and two shutouts. 

Kailey Bryant adds depth with a 3.64 ERA and 34 strikeouts over 57.2 innings, giving the Spartans a reliable one-two pitching combination entering the final series. 

QUICK HITS

• Maddy Morris ranks among the MEAC leaders, sitting 1st in ERA (1.75), WHIP (1.05), wins (10), opponent batting average (.221), and earned runs allowed (22), while also ranking in the Top 5 in home runs (10), total bases (75), slugging percentage (.708), and RBIs (28). She also ranks nationally in ERA (22nd), WHIP (33rd), and walks per seven innings (43rd). 
• Kailey Bryant leads the MEAC in doubles (12) and ranks among the league leaders in hits (44) and runs scored (26), while also posting one of the lowest walk totals allowed in the circle. 
• Bristyl Riddick leads the MEAC in runners caught stealing (12) and ranks among the national leaders in the category. 

ABOUT HOWARD
Howard enters the weekend at 24-15 overall and 17-1 in MEAC play, with its lone conference loss coming against UMES. The Bison most recently dropped a 4-1 decision to George Mason. 

Offensively, Howard is led by Maryn Jordan, who is batting .470 with a .571 on-base percentage, 47 hits, and 17 stolen bases. Taylor Ames-Alexander leads the team with 32 RBIs, while Makyia Taylor adds power with five home runs. Wisdom Colbert (.344) and Cheyenne Castille (.324) provide consistency throughout the lineup. 

The Bison also feature speed, with Amirah Lenon (14 stolen bases) and Merci Hart adding depth to a high-contact offense. 

In the circle, Aiko Conaway anchors the staff with a 3.03 ERA and 68 strikeouts across 115.2 innings. Julia Holt provides a strong relief option with 52 strikeouts and four saves, while Destiny Calloway adds depth with a 5-1 record and a 3.25 ERA. 

SERIES HISTORY
Norfolk State holds a 34-26 all-time lead in the series, which dates back to 2002. Howard has won eight of the last 10 meetings and enters the weekend on a seven-game winning streak over the Spartans. Norfolk State's last wins in the series came during the 2023 season. 

UP NEXT
Norfolk State will have a week off before hosting the 2026 MEAC Softball Championship at TowneBank Field. Tournament play begins Wednesday, May 6, with the championship game scheduled for Saturday, May 9.