FAIRFAX, Va. -- Junior Zoe Hernandez made her first career home run count, rallying Cornell past Akron 8-7 behind her eighth-inning three-run shot on Sunday morning at the George Mason Softball Complex. The Big Red dropped the nightcap to the host Patriots, 5-3.

Hernandez had the big answer after the Zips scored two runs in the top of the eighth to take the lead in a back-and-forth game. Cornell scored a run in the bottom of the seventh inning to tie on a Jessica Bigbige double to left with two out sto stay alive. After Akron went back ahead, Olivia Lam doubled for her second hit of the game. With two on (including Kim Dolhon thanks to the international tiebreaker) and one out, Hernandez homered to left to give Cornell its second win of the young season.

Megan Murray, Sarah Murray and Olivia Lam each had two hits, while Bridgette Rooney had a hit and drew a walk to reach base twice. Both Lisa Nelson (5.1 innings, five hits, two earned runs) and Katie Lew (2.2 innings, one hit, one earned run) pitched well, with Lew earning her first collegiate win out of the bullpen. The Big Red overcame two errors and five Akron stolen bases to capture the victory.

Cornell was not as unfortunate in the second game despite a strong outing in the circle from Maddie Orcutt. The junior hurled a complete game, scattering nine hits and three earned runs, but the Big Red couldn't overcome three errors and seven baserunners left on the diamond.

Madeline Avery, Olivia Lam and Zoe Hernandez each had two hits with Avery and Hernandez each hitting doubles. Cornell tried to rally from a 5-1 deficit after four innings, scoring twice but leaving four runners on over the final three innings.

The Big Red will head to the Delaware Invitational this coming weekend for a pair of contests each against the host Blue Hens and Rhodle Island.