Howard Posts Shutouts in Sweep of UMES

Washington, DC-April 11-Dale McNeal and Christina McCoy threw shutouts to help Howard posts 12-0 wins over the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (2-19) in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference women's doubleheader at Banneker Stadium.

            McNeal, who improved to 12-8 on the season pitched five innings in the first game, allowing only one hit and no walks while striking out seven batters.  The junior ace added two hits and an RBI for good measure.

            "Dale was very sharp today," said Howard Coach Tonja Braxton.  "She was very focused, had good velocity on her pitches and was in a groove.  When she pitches like that and we play good defense, it makes us a tough team."

            Braxton adds that the first game was played with her best defensive unit.  McNeal faced only 16 batters with some solid play behind her.  Despite the defensive intent, Howard (21-13, 5-1 in the MEAC) still managed to supply plenty offense on the power hitting of first baseman Jenifer Bien-Aime and Fallon Jones, who both homered and third baseman Sukai Curtis-Contreras, center fielder Tracy Javier and left fielder Aimee Macatangay, who combined for six hits and six RBI.

            "With Courtney Young out of the lineup, I challenged some people to step up," said Braxton.  "I told them earlier that we would have to start preparing for the time when teams would stop pitching to Courtney, so hopefully they are responding."

            In the second game, McCoy (8-5) went the distance, allowing three hits, walking two and fanning nine UMES batters.

            "Christina struggled early, but she settled down and got the job done," said Braxton. "But she is improving every game and that is a big plus for us."

            Braxton said that the strategy in the second game differed from that in the opener.

            "We went with our best offensive team in the second game," said Braxton, a strong candidate for MEAC Coach of the Year.  "This is all part of us trying to develop versatility and confidence in this team."

            Third baseman Kristina Cordova provided the power by going two- for-three and driving in three runs, including a homer.  Javier and Bien-Aime continued their consistency, banging out two hits each and combining for four RBIs.  Shortstop Candice Tatum also contributed two hits as the Bison collected 12 hits in 26 at bats.

            Howard will travel to Lexington, SC to participate in the MEAC Roundup this weekend.  Braxton says it will provide an excellent opportunity to find out where it is before the MEAC Tournament, May 11-15 in Baltimore, MD.

            "This will give us a chance to see the other side of the competition," said Braxton, referring to the Southern Division of the MEAC.  "Historically, the Southern Division has been the stronger of the two.  We are improved, but now we can see how much we have improved."

GAME NOTES: Young, who has an injured right hand, sat out the two games, but should be ready for the Roundup...Young ranks 18^th in the country in batting at .453, tied for 19^th in doubles and 29^th in RBIs per game...Candice Tatum is 14^th in hit by pitches (0.28) and Javier is 14^th in runs per game at 1.07.

• Scoreboard
• Upcoming Games

Multimedia

Meet the Coach

Asst. AD for Academic Advising/Head Softball Coach
Tonja M. Braxton