Hammering Hawks Continue to Roll
Lady Hawks Take 3 of 4 from El Paso in Weekend Home Stand
Howard College softball put on a show in the opener of their doubleheader against El Paso Community College, rolling to a 9-0 run-rule victory before falling just short in a 6-4 loss in game two.
Game 1: Howard College 9, El Paso 0 (5 Innings)
The Lady Hawks wasted no time setting the tone, exploding for five runs in the first inning and never looking back. Ashley McMahon delivered a clutch three-run double to ignite the offense, while Morgan Crandall and Angelina Corral each added two RBIs of their own.
At the plate, Mackenzie Vela led the way with a perfect 3-for-3 performance, including a double and an RBI. Howard racked up 10 hits in just five innings, keeping the pressure on from the start.
On the mound, Kaela Martinez was nearly untouchable, throwing a complete-game shutout, allowing just four hits and striking out three. She faced only 19 batters and stayed in control the entire way as Howard's defense played clean behind her.
Game 2: El Paso 6, Howard College 4
In the second game, the Lady Hawks found themselves playing catch-up after El Paso struck for a four-run third inning. Howard battled back, getting RBIs from McMahon and Crandall, but the early deficit proved too much to overcome.
Crandall launched a solo home run in the sixth to keep the Hawks within striking distance, and Sadie Ryan added a double, but El Paso's pitching held strong in the final innings.
In the circle, Ellie Kissinger and Kaela Martinez combined to limit El Paso to just six hits, but a few timely extra-base knocks from the visitors made the difference.
Despite the loss, Howard showed resilience late, scoring in three of the final four innings, and will look to carry that momentum into their next matchup.
Day 2: Lady Hawks Complete Series Victory Over El Paso with Back-to-Back Wins
Howard College softball capped off a dominant weekend against El Paso Community College, securing a 10-2 (5 innings) win in game one before cruising to an 8-2 victory in the series finale. The Lady Hawks' bats stayed red-hot, launching multiple home runs while their pitchers controlled the pace in both contests.
Game 1: Howard College 10, El Paso 2 (5 Innings)
The Lady Hawks wasted no time asserting their dominance, responding to an early two-run deficit with six runs in the second inning and never looking back. Eva O'Loughlan blasted two home runs, while Aryah Barrera and Beatrice Hitomi also left the yard, highlighting a power-packed offensive display.
Caylee Berg and Mackenzie Vela each drove in key runs as Howard totaled 14 hits, with Elena Mendez leading the charge with a 3-for-3 performance.
In the circle, Megan Harrison was in control, tossing a complete-game five-inning victory, allowing just one earned run on five hits, while striking out one.
Game 2: Howard College 8, El Paso 2
The finale saw the Lady Hawks jump ahead early with a five-run first inning, setting the tone for a comfortable win. Mackenzie Vela, Aryah Barrera, and Beatrice Hitomi each launched home runs, continuing Howard's impressive power surge.
Vela and Morgan Crandall added RBIs, while Eva O'Loughlan chipped in with a two-run double. Mendez kept her strong weekend going with a three-hit performance and also stole a base.
Kaela Martinez was outstanding in the circle, throwing a complete-game seven-inning gem, allowing just one earned run on seven hits, while striking out two. She worked efficiently, keeping the El Paso hitters off balance throughout the game.
Lady Hawks continue their hot streak winning 11 of their last 12 and improving to 7-1 in conference play. Hawks will have a bye-week before returning to play on April 11th VS Midland College.