Ballenger Makes Herself at Home in Win Over Former Team

Howard graduate pitcher Ameenah Ballenger stands in the circle during a home game (photo courtesy: Jalisa Fullwood)

Ameenah Ballenger spent years in the circle for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) women’s softball team. On March 29th, she shut them down.

The Howard graduate transfer struck out 11 batters in five innings of relief against her former team, helping the Bison cruise to a 9–1 win and complete a series sweep over UMES. The performance marked Ballenger’s most dominant outing of the season—and a personal one.

Ballenger didn’t start the game but entered early, with Howard looking to protect a lead. Over five innings, she gave up one run, allowed three hits, and struck out 11. It was her first time facing her former program since transferring to Howard for graduate school.

“It definitely wasn’t personal, I wanted to go out and compete against my friends and former teammates,” Ballenger said. “I’ve got respect for that program—but this is my team now.”

The matchup carried quiet tension. Though Ballenger left UMES on good terms, returning to face the Hawks meant confronting her own past. She didn’t just face it, she dominated it.

Her pitch sequencing and command were on full display, turning a potentially emotional game into a clinic. Ballenger’s performance earned her MEAC Co-Pitcher of the Week.

She wasn’t the only Bison recognized. Senior catcher Alyssa Vasquez earned MEAC Player of the Week after going 8-for-10 during the UMES series, with two doubles, a triple, and three RBIs. Over a five-game stretch, Vasquez hit .600 (9-for-15) and anchored the Bison offense.

“I just wanted to stay locked in pitch by pitch,” Vasquez said. “It helps having the trust of the team behind me.”

Now in her final season, Vasquez brings leadership behind the plate and confidence in the box. Her chemistry with Ballenger was evident all weekend, helping to control tempo and close out innings efficiently.

Howard entered the season with high expectations, picked to finish first in the MEAC in the preseason coaches’ poll. At 8–1 in conference play, the Bison are living up to the projection. They’ve now won four straight MEAC series, including back-to-back sweeps.

With the win, Howard moved closer to locking in top seeding ahead of the MEAC tournament. Next up is a series against Delaware State—a chance to keep the momentum rolling.

The road ahead includes matchups against teams like Norfolk State and North Carolina Central, both ranking high in the standings. But with veterans like Ballenger and Vasquez leading the way, Howard is built to weather the pressure.

“We know what we’re capable of,” Vasquez said. “This is the stretch where we show everybody else.”