NORFOLK, Va., May 10, 2025 —South Carolina State softball fell short in claiming their first MEAC Softball Championship of the modern era in a 6-1 defeat to top-seed Howard on Saturday at the NSU Softball Field. 
  
Howard struck early, plating two runs in the opening inning. Kenna Higa led off with a double up the middle and later scored on an RBI groundout by Alyssa Vasquez. MEAC Rookie of the Year Lauryn Jones, who reached on a bunt single, came around to score the second run, giving the Bison an early 2-0 lead. 
 
South Carolina State trimmed the deficit to 2-1 in the third, thanks to a solo home run from leadoff hitter Jamaria Charley. But the Bison responded swiftly, adding three runs in the bottom of the inning. Jones, Alyssa Vasquez, and Merci Hart each crossed the plate to extend the lead to 5-1. 
 
Howard tacked on an insurance run in the sixth, as Higa recorded her second RBI double of the day to bring home Maryn Jordan. The Bison defense shut the door in the seventh, retiring the Lady Bulldogs to seal the championship win. 
  
Fans can follow championship updates and results through the MEAC Softball Championship Central page.
  
2025 MEAC Softball Championship All-Tournament Team 
Most Outstanding Coach - Tori Tyson, Howard 
Most Outstanding Player - Ameenah Ballenger, Howard 
 
Howard, Ameenah Ballenger  
Howard, Mia Gonzales 
South Carolina State, Taylor Ames-Alexander 
South Carolina State, Destiny Calloway 
South Carolina State, Jamaria Charley 
Delaware State, Karly Cain 
Delaware State, Mi'Shon King 
Delaware State, Zaelyn Harding 
Morgan State, Amber Rivas 
Morgan State, Victoria Fletcher  
Norfolk State, Kailey Bryant 
 
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