ITHACA, N.Y. - The Cornell softball team was swept by the Harvard Crimson in a doubleheader on Friday afternoon at Niemand-Robison Field. Harvard rallied late to win the opening game 8-7, and made a late push in the second game to control the outcome and pull away with a 6-2 victory. 

Lauren Holt produced the 40th home run of her Big Red career, becoming just the third Ivy League player to achieve the feat. Holt joins Big Red alum Lauren May '05 in the Ivy League all-time top three, and ties Dartmouth's Katie McEachern for second place.

Hailey Pirkey led the way offensively for Cornell across the doubleheader, highlighted by a four-RBI performance in game one that included a three-run home run and a multi-hit effort in game two. She was complemented by Holt, who added a historic home run, a triple, and multiple RBIs across the both games.

Mila Fiordalisi and Emma Harshberger split duties in game one, combining for nine innings and eight runs allowed. Madalyn Covelli and Laney Freiband combined for seven innings in the second game, allowing six runs while working around five walks. Despite stretches of effective pitching, particularly in relief appearances, the staff was unable to hold leads in both contests.

Game One
The Crimson struck first in the opening inning, taking a 1-0 lead on a bases-loaded walk before adding a sacrifice fly to extend the advantage to 2-0. Cornell responded immediately in the bottom half as Tarisa Frans registered the first home run of her Big Red career to cut the deficit to 2-1. Pirkey followed with a three-run home run to give the Big Red a 4-2 lead after one inning.

The Big Red added to their advantage in the third inning when Pirkey singled to drive in a run and extend the lead to 5-2. Harvard answered in the fourth inning with a bases-loaded walk to trim the deficit to 5-3. Cornell responded again in the bottom half as Holt launched a two-run home run to move into second all-time in program history and push the lead to 7-3.

The Crimson continued to chip away in the fifth inning when standout short stop Sophie Sun homered to center field to make it 7-4. The Big Red held the lead into the seventh inning, but the Crimson mounted a decisive rally in the final frame. An RBI single cut the deficit to 7-5 before a fielder's choice and Cornell error allowed two runs to score and tie the game at 7-7.

Harvard completed the comeback later in the seventh inning. Forbes singled to center field to bring home the go-ahead run and give the Crimson an 8-7 lead. Cornell was unable to respond in the bottom half, as Harvard secured the victory.

Game Two
The Crimson struck first in the opening inning when Payne singled to right field to drive in a run and take a 1-0 lead. Cornell answered in the bottom half as Harshberger homered to center field to tie the game at 1-1 after the first inning.

Harvard regained the lead in the third inning, scoring an unearned run on a groundout to move in front 2-1. The Big Red responded in the bottom half when Holt tripled to right field to bring home Frans, evening the score at 2-2. The game remained tight through the middle innings before Harvard created separation.

The Crimson broke the tie in the fifth inning with two runs on wild pitches, taking a 4-2 lead. Harvard added insurance in the seventh inning when two unearned runs scored on a Cornell error in the outfield, extending the advantage to 6-2. Cornell was unable to mount a comeback late, as Harvard secured the doubleheader sweep.

Next Up
The Cornell softball team will return to the diamond tomorrow for the series finale against Harvard. The Big Red and the Crimson are set for a 12:00 p.m. start at Niemand-Robison Field. Game action will be broadcast on ESPN+.