ITHACA, N.Y. - The Cornell softball team swept the Bucknell Bison in a doubleheader on Tuesday afternoon at Niemand-Robison Field. The Big Red defeated Bucknell 11-3 in the first game by run rule. Cornell followed that performance with another run rule victory over the Bison by a score of 10-2.

Lauren Holt turned in a dominant performance across the doubleheader, going a combined 4-for-5 with three home runs, seven RBIs, and multiple runs scored, including a 3-for-3, five-RBI effort in the first game and a two-run homer in the second game. She consistently delivered in key moments, powering Cornell's offense during both middle-inning surges and setting the tone at the top of the lineup.

In the circle, Cornell's pitching staff limited Bucknell to just five total runs across the two games, with Mila Fiordalisi earning the win in game one after allowing two runs over four innings while working through traffic with five walks. Madalyn Covelli provided effective relief in both contests, combining for two innings while allowing just one run and helping close out the run-rule victories. Laney Freiband was especially efficient in game two, tossing four innings while allowing just two unearned runs

Game One
The Bison struck first in the top of the first inning when Jo Coppola homered to left field to drive in two runs and take a 2-0 lead. Cornell answered immediately in the bottom half as Holt launched a solo home run to center field, cutting the deficit to 2-1 after the opening frame.

The Big Red took control in the second inning with a key two-out hit. Emma Harshberger singled to center field to drive in Charlize Cai and Sofia Hernandez, giving Cornell its first lead of the game at 3-2. The Big Red continued to build momentum in the third inning, extending the advantage to 4-2 when Tarisa Frans scored on a wild pitch before Cai followed with an RBI bunt single to push the lead to 5-2.

Cornell broke the game open later in the third inning with a decisive swing. Holt delivered her second home run of the game, a grand-slam that brought home Cai, Hernandez, and Ullensvang to extend the lead to 9-2. The Big Red added another run in the fourth inning when Lopez homered to make it 10-2, continuing the offensive surge.

Bucknell added a run in the fifth inning on an RBI double from Popel, trimming the deficit to 10-3. Cornell answered in the bottom half as Harshberger delivered another RBI single to score Pressley and push the lead to 11-3. With an eight-run advantage after five innings, Cornell secured the run-rule victory.

Game Two
The Big Red opened the scoring in the second inning when Ullensvang lifted a sacrifice fly to center field to bring home Ella Harrod, giving Cornell a 1-0 lead. Bucknell responded in the third inning, taking a 2-1 lead after Popel reached on a Cornell error that allowed two unearned runs to score.

Cornell answered immediately in the bottom half of the third inning with a decisive offensive outburst. Holt homered to center field to drive in two runs and give the Big Red a 3-2 lead before Harshberger followed with a solo home run to extend the advantage to 4-2. The Big Red continued to build the lead as Frans singled to drive in a run for a 5-2 score, and Ullensvang doubled to bring home another run and make it 6-2.

The Big Red added to their lead in the fourth inning to maintain control of the game. Harshberger lifted a sacrifice fly to center field to score Pressley, extending Cornell's advantage to 7-2. Cornell's offense remained consistent throughout the middle innings, continuing to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Cornell put the game away in the fifth inning with a three-run frame. Olivia Green tripled to drive in a run and push the lead to 8-2 before Pressley followed with an RBI single to make it 9-2. Susanna Pate capped the scoring with a double to left center to bring home Pressley and extend the lead to 10-2, securing the run-rule victory.

Next Up
The Cornell softball team will return to conference play when it visits the Pennsyvania Quakers for a three-game Ivy League series at Penn Park. The Big Red and the Quakers will meet for a doubleheader on Saturday, Match 29th at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Cornell and Penn will conclude it's series on Sunday, March 30th at 2:30 p.m. Game action will be broadcast on ESPN+.