Tyler ButlerNORFOLK, Va., May 11, 2025 — The 2025 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Softball Champion Howard University is headed to Durham, N.C., for the NCAA Softball Championship, as announced Sunday evening during the NCAA Selection Show on ESPN2.
The Lady Bison (31-18) will face No. 14 seed Duke in the opening round of the Durham Regional. First pitch is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET on Friday, May 16, and will air live on the ACC Network. The double-elimination regional format also features Coastal Carolina University and the University of Georgia.
Howard secured its third MEAC title in program history on Saturday with a 6-1 win over South Carolina State in the championship game. The Lady Bison are led by MEAC Rookie of the Year Lauryn Jones, Championship Outstanding Performer Ameenah Ballenger, and nine total All-MEAC honorees. Head Coach Tori Tyson, named the Championship’s Outstanding Coach, notched her 150th career win with Howard’s 17-5 semifinal victory over Delaware State in the winners bracket.
Duke (38-16), hosting the regional, is making its fifth NCAA Tournament appearance and fourth consecutive. The Blue Devils are led by ACC Defensive Player of the Year Thessa Malau’ulu and four All-ACC standouts: Dani Drogemuller, Ana Gold, Aminah Vega, and D’Auna Jennings. Duke reached the ACC Tournament semifinals before falling to sixth-seeded Florida State, 3-2.
The Lady Bison now set their sights on the national stage, looking to extend their postseason run in Durham.
