Both HBCU Division I softball conference champions had tough outings against Power 4 schools in Friday’s NCAA tournament opening round.
SWAC champion Florida A&M was limited to one hit as sixth-ranked Florida defeated the Rattlers 8-0 in five innings in the Gainesville regional.
MEAC champion Howard scraped a run across against ACC member Duke but also fell in five innings by a 10-1 score in the Durham regional.
The Rattlers (32-21 in 2026), held the Gators to a single run in the first inning, but Florida exploded for four runs in the second inning, three in the third and another four spot in the fourth inning.
Centerfielder Taylor Shumaker did the most damage for UF, going 3-for-4 with five RBI, including a three-run homer in the bottom of the fourth inning to make it an 11-0 game.
Three Florida pitchers combined on the one-hitter, with Keagan Rothrock getting the win. Katelynn Oxley and Leah Stevens each pitched a scoreless inning in relief for the Gators.
FAMU’s lone hit came in the top of the fourth inning, a single by Amya Ramos. The Rattlers will face the loser of Texas State and Georgia Tech Saturday May 16 in the elimination bracket at 12:30 pm EST.
The Bison had similar trouble with the Blue Devils, though they were able to get on the scoreboard in the top of the fourth inning. Catcher Makyia Taylor doubled with one out and pinch runner Ariyah Allen eventually came home on a bases loaded walk by pinch hitter Tori Trotter.
That was all the offense Howard could spare Friday as Duke got multiple RBI days from third baseman Tyrina Jones (3) and catchers Kairi Rodriguez and Gabriella Shadek (2 each).
The Bison made some nifty plays in the field, including a 1-3 double play started by pitcher Aiko Conaway, but Duke’s bats were too much for the second straight year.
Howard will face the Marshall/Arizona loser in the elimination bracket Saturday May 16 at 3:30 pm EST.
