PRINCETON, N.J. - The Harvard Softball team (23-14-1, 13-5 Ivy) split a Saturday doubleheader with the Princeton Tigers (21-16, 14-4 Ivy), first falling to Princeton 8-5 then coming back for a 6-5 victory in game two. With the team's win, they have secured their spot in the 2023 Ivy League Tournament from May 11-13, which will be hosted by the highest seed in the tournament.
GAME 1 | Princeton 8, Harvard 5
How it Happened
The Crimson got on the board immediately, starting their scoring with one run in the top of the first inning. Trina Hoang came across to score the lone run of the inning for Harvard and get them on the board.
The Crimson lost the lead they built in the first, but got back on the board in the fifth trailing 8-1. Harvard managed to push across two runs in the inning, which tightened the Tigers lead to 8-3.
Harvard held the Tigers off the scoreboard before narrowing the gap to 8-5 in the sixth. The Crimson were unable to get any closer, as neither team scored again in the ballgame.
Game Notes
• Anna Reed (7-7) got the ball to start for Harvard. Combined with Lindsay Poulos and Ryan Grace, Harvard pitchers faced 33 Princeton hitters in the game, allowing 10 ground balls and six fly balls while striking out one.
• Lauren Bobowski led the way offensively for the Crimson, going 1-for-2 in the ballgame with two walks and two RBI. Madi Mays put together a standout effort as well, going 1-for-2 with two RBI. Hoang also helped out, going 2-for-3 for Harvard with a walk.
• Harvard's highest scoring inning was the sixth, when it pushed two runs across.
• The Crimson drew six walks from Princeton pitching.
GAME 2 | Harvard 6, Princeton 5
How it Happened
The Crimson got the scoring started early, putting one run on the board in the top of the first inning. Harvard's offense started clicking and put up five runs, including a two-run single off the bat of Megan Welsh.
The Crimson then held the Tigers scoreless before getting back on the board the very next inning. Harvard scored once on an RBI single off the bat of Mays, which brought the Crimson lead to 6-0. Princeton put five runs on the scoreboard before the game was over, but Harvard still held on for the 6-5 win.
Game Highlights
• Sophomore Katie Arrambide (7-2) got the win for Harvard. The right-hander went six innings, giving up five runs, three earned, on five hits, allowing one walk and striking out one. First-year Riley Flynn also pitched well, going one shutout inning without allowing a hit, walking one and striking out one.
• At the plate, the Crimson were paced by Welsh, who went 2-for-4 on the day with two RBI. Mays compiled a noteworthy performance at the plate as well, going 2-for-2 with two RBI. Savannah Fitzpatrick also chipped in for Harvard, putting together one hit in two trips to the plate while adding a walk and an RBI.
• Harvard's highest scoring inning was the first, when it pushed five runs across. With the strong start, the Crimson never trailed through the entire game.
• The Crimson out-hit the Tigers at a 9-5 clip.
• Harvard pitchers limited Princeton to just 2-for-12 (.167) with runners in scoring position.
• The Crimson drew six walks from Princeton pitching.
Up Next
Harvard will close out regular season play with a three-game series at home against Columbia from April 29-30. Saturday's doubleheader will serve as the team's senior game celebration.
