WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Norfolk State softball team split Saturday's doubleheader against Howard at the National Youth Academy. The Bison claimed an 8-0 (5 innings) victory in game one, while the Spartans responded with a 3-2 win in game two. 

With the split, Norfolk State moves to 21-19 overall and 11-9 in MEAC play with one game remaining in the regular season. First pitch for Sunday's finale is set for 12 p.m. 

GAME 1 – HOWARD 8, NORFOLK STATE 0 (5 inns.) 

Howard controlled the opener from the outset, holding Norfolk State without a hit through the first two innings. 

The Bison broke through with a run in the second inning and extended their lead with three runs in both the third and fourth innings to take a 7-0 advantage. 

Howard added another run in the fifth to secure the run-rule victory. 

GAME 2 – NORFOLK STATE 3, HOWARD 2 

Norfolk State bounced back in game two, using a strong second inning to secure the split. 

After a scoreless first inning, the Spartans plated three runs in the second. Aniyah Michalak reached with a single before Bristyl Riddick launched a two-run home run to left field, giving NSU a 2-0 lead. Later in the inning, Kachelle Refour delivered an RBI single to center, scoring McKaley Kohn and extending the advantage to 3-0. 

Both teams were held scoreless over the next three innings before Howard cut into the deficit in the sixth with two runs to make it 3-2. 

The Spartans held firm down the stretch, shutting down the Bison in the final frame to secure the victory and earn the split. 

UP NEXT 

Norfolk State will close out the regular season on Sunday with the series finale against Howard. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m