NEW HAVEN, Conn. - The Cornell softball team jumped out to an early advantage and never looked back, defeating Yale 13-1 in five innings in Sunday's Ivy League series finale at 5K Corral Field.

Offensively, Emma Harshberger led the Big Red with a standout performance, going 2-for-3 with three runs scored and five RBIs, including a three-run home run in the first inning and a two-run single in the fifth. Charlize Cai also had a strong day at the plate, collecting three hits and scoring twice, while Tarisa Frans added two hits and two RBIs. Cornell finished with 11 hits and 11 RBIs.

Cornell received a strong outing in the circle from Madalyn Covelli, who earned the win after pitching a complete five innings while allowing just one run on six hits with two walks and two strikeouts. Covelli consistently limited Yale's opportunities, stranding runners in multiple innings and keeping the Bulldogs scoreless through the first three frames while Cornell built a double-digit lead. The junior induced eight groundouts and allowed only one extra-base hit

The Big Red wasted no time setting the tone offensively in the opening inning. Harshberger launched a three-run home run to left center, bringing home Lauren Holt and Cai to give Cornell a quick 3-0 lead. The early power surge provided immediate momentum and put pressure on the Bulldogs from the start.

Cornell broke the game open in the second inning with a massive offensive outburst that stretched the lead to double digits. Charlize Cai grounded out to the pitcher, but Samantha Esparza and Susanna Pate both came around to score on a Yale error at first base, pushing the lead to 5-0. Frans followed with a two-run double to center field that scored Harshberger and Holt, extending the margin to 7-0. The Big Red continued to pile on when Sofia Hernandez lifted a sacrifice fly to bring home Ella Harrod for an 8-0 lead, and Hailey Pirkey capped the inning with a two-run home run to right center that pushed Cornell ahead 10-0.

Yale managed to get on the scoreboard in the fourth inning when Isabella Fortini doubled to left center to drive in Jane Littleton, cutting the Cornell lead to 10-1. The Bulldogs attempted to build momentum offensively, but the Big Red defense kept the rally limited to a single run. Cornell's pitching and fielding continued to control the pace of the game while maintaining the nine-run cushion.

The Big Red added more insurance in the fifth inning to put the game out of reach. Harshberger delivered again with a two-run single that brought home Holt and Cai to extend the lead to 12-1. Shortly after, Harrod singled through the left side to score Harshberger and push the advantage to 13-1. With Cornell holding a 12-run lead after five innings, the game concluded early due to the run rule.

Next Up
The Cornell softball team will return to the diamond on Wednesday, March 18th for a doubleheader against Bucknell. The first game is set for 2:30 p.m., while game two is currently slated for 4:30 p.m. at Niemand-Robison Field. Game action will be broadcast on ESPN+.