### **Howard University Softball Heads to Durham Regional: A Historic Quest Begins**
**WASHINGTON (May 11, 2025)** – The excitement is palpable as the **NCAA Softball Committee** unveiled the highly anticipated 64-team field for the **2025 NCAA Division I Championship**. In a thrilling announcement during the **Selection Show** broadcast live on ESPN2, **Howard University** learned of its fate—it’s heading to the **Durham Regional**!
#### **A Challenging Opening Matchup: Howard vs. Duke**
Mark your calendars for **Friday, May 16**, as the **Bison** gear up to face off against **No. 14 Duke** in a high-stakes showdown at **Softball Stadium in Durham, N.C.** The match is set to kick off at **noon**. This clash promises more than just competition; it’s a test of grit, skill, and determination.
#### **Howard’s Impressive Journey to the Tournament**
The Bison enter the tournament with a record of **31-18**, having recently secured their third **Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC)** Tournament title. They clinched victory with a resounding **6-1 win over South Carolina State** on **Saturday, May 10**. This remarkable achievement not only highlights the team’s resilience but also showcases their ability to perform under pressure.
**Ameenah Ballenger**, a standout graduate from Lansdown, Pa., solidified her spot in the limelight by being named the **Tournament Most Outstanding Player**. Her stellar performance included achieving her **12th win of the season**, proving that she is a force to be reckoned with on the mound. Under the stellar leadership of **Head Coach Tori Tyson**, who was recognized as **Most Outstanding Coach**, the team has exhibited both skill and tenacity, making them a formidable opponent.
#### **The Competitive Landscape of the Durham Regional**
Duke (38-16) will host the four-team, double-elimination tournament, with another exciting matchup featuring **Coastal Carolina** (41-17) and **Georgia** (31-20). Each game is crucial, as the teams clash for a chance to advance to the super regionals, scheduled for **May 22-25**.
Regionals run from **May 16-18**, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. As these teams battle it out, **ESPN** will cover all 16 regional sites across its platforms, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of the action.
### **Get Ready, Bison Fans!**
The road ahead is filled with challenges, excitement, and the thrill of competition. For those eager to support the Bison as they aim for glory and a spot in the super regionals, additional information can be found on the **Bison Athletics website** at [www.HUBison.com](http://www.hubison.com/).
As Howard University steps onto the field in Durham, let’s rally behind our team! The journey is just beginning—go, Bison!
