BOWIE, MD -- The Bowie State softball team (17–19, 12–0 CIAA, 6-0 North) is set to host the Lady Vikings of Elizabeth City State (3-18, 2-10 CIAA, 0-6 North) for a Northern Division doubleheader on Friday, May 1 at the BSU Softball Complex. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., streaming live on HBCU Go.

When: Friday, May 1 | 1 & 3 P.M.
Where: BSU Softball Complex (Bowie, Md.)
Watch: Click Here
Live Stats: Click Here
Social Media: Twitter: @BSU_Sports_Info | Instagram: @BowieStateBulldogs 

Series History vs. Elizabeth City State

• Bowie State leads the all-time series 26–6 against Elizabeth City State, dating back to the first meeting on April 11, 2009.
• BSU's most recent victories came on April 25, 2025, sweeping a doubleheader 7–2 and 9–1 in Elizabeth City, N.C.
• The Bulldogs have scored 267 total runs in the series, averaging 8.34 runs per game against ECSU.
• Bowie State has been dominant at home (13–1) and strong on the road (11–4), with a longest win streak of nine games from 2015 through 2019.

Scouting Bowie State
Taylor Dawkins leads BSU's offense, while Mikayla Amos adds consistency and plate discipline.

Audrey Newell anchors the middle of the order. Coreena Dunham and Presleigh Braxton set the tone at the top, giving BSU speed and pressure on the bases.

In the circle, Sydney Seals leads the pitching staff with a 10–6 record and 109 strikeouts in 98.2 innings, serving as the Bulldogs' top arm.

Aaliyah Amos has added five wins and 76 strikeouts across 89 innings, giving Bowie State a dependable one-two punch, while Makayla Drakeford provides depth in the rotation and relief.

Last Time Out for the Bulldogs
Bowie State dropped a nonconference doubleheader to Morgan State, falling 4–2 and 14–4 on Tuesday at the BSU Softball Complex.

In game one, the Bulldogs responded after an early deficit with RBI production from Nala Bain, who delivered a two-run double to cut the lead to one. Despite the late push, BSU was unable to complete the comeback as Morgan State added an insurance run late. Seals tossed a complete game in the circle, striking out seven.

In game two, Bowie State showed offensive life after falling behind early, as Adrianna Dockett and Ja'chelle Mosley each drew bases-loaded walks before Dawkins delivered a two-RBI double to trim the deficit. However, Morgan State used multiple big innings to pull away and secure the sweep.

Scouting Elizabeth City State

• Elizabeth City State enters the matchup with a 3–18 overall record and a 2–10 mark in CIAA play, currently sitting sixth in the Northern Division standings.
• Sophia Simmons leads the Lady Vikings offensively, batting .449 with 22 hits and 11 runs scored, serving as the team's most consistent hitter and table-setter.
• Shelby Edwards is a key contributor, hitting .341 while going a perfect 9-for-9 in stolen base attempts, creating constant pressure on the basepaths.
• Bryn Ernest (.289) adds extra-base potential with two triples, while Natasha Melbye (.286) provides steady production in the middle of the lineup.
• Courtney Ward contributes situationally with six RBIs and strong plate discipline, drawing a team-high eight walks.
• As a team, ECSU is hitting .246 with 94 hits and just 16 doubles, showing limited power with no home runs on the season.
• The Lady Vikings have struggled with plate discipline, striking out 83 times compared to 38 walks, and feature several hitters below the .200 mark.
• In the circle, Oreanna Donaldson leads the staff with a 2–6 record and a 12.20 ERA, allowing 102 hits in 35.0 innings pitched.
• Shaina Lugo (0–7, 8.15 ERA) has logged the most innings (55.0) but has issued 39 walks, highlighting control issues for the staff.
• As a pitching unit, ECSU holds a 9.72 team ERA with opponents batting .437 against them, indicating significant struggles in limiting offense.
• Opponents have outscored the Vikings 145–51 this season, including a 40–16 margin in the first inning, pointing to slow starts and difficulty recovering.

Up Next
The Bulldogs will return to action on Saturday, May. 2, as Bowie State hosts the Big Blue of Bluefield State for Senior Day. Doubleheader is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the BSU Softball Complex.

For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 14 varsity sport teams, visit bsubulldogs.com.