NEW YORK – The Harvard softball team defeated Columbia, 4-1, on Sunday to secure a series sweep over the Ivy League preseason favorites. The win moved the Crimson to 12-13 on the season and 6-3 in the Ivy, while the Lions dropped to 7-18 (4-5 Ivy).
 
Harvard did not allow a 90-minute weather delay to dampen its spirits as it opened the game by putting its first two batters on base (Megan Welsh HBP, Lauren Bobowski BB). Allison Heffley then reached on a fielder's choice, which advanced Bobowski to second and the sophomore took third on a Morgan Melito fly out. With the Crimson threatening, Columbia's Jordan Hill uncorked a wild pitch, allowing Bobowski to score.
 
In the bottom of the first, the Lions stressed Harvard starter Anna Reed, who gave up a pair of singles and a walk, loading the bases. The sophomore, however, escaped the jam, permitting just one run to cross home plate.
 
The Crimson put more traffic on the base paths in the second inning as Teagan Shaw led off with a single and found herself at third base as a result of two passed balls. Soon thereafter, Molly Dickerson walked and stole second, bringing up Trina Hoang. The junior poked a pitch to first base, knocking in Shaw to push Harvard in front, 2-1.
 
The run support through two frames would be all Reed needed as she answered in the bottom of the second with the first of six straight scoreless innings. In the third inning, meanwhile, Harvard provided two insurance runs when Madi Mays singled to left field. The ball was misplayed in left, leading to runs scored by Melito and Ella Lee.
 
Reed carried the load from there and was dialed in. She allowed just three hits after the first inning en route to her second complete game of the series. All told, Reed gave up six hits and one run in seven innings, while striking out three.

Harvard Highlights

• Allison Heffley extended her hitting streak to seven games after going 1-for-3.
• Madi Mays and Teagan Shaw were both 1-for-3 at the plate, with Shaw scoring a run. Shaw has scored at least one run in three straight games, which is a season best.
• Morgan Melito went 1-for-2, giving her a five-game hitting streak. After scoring a run on Sunday, she has touched home three times in her last two outings.
• Trina Hoang had an RBI, her first since March 11 against California Baptist.
• Anna Reed picked up her team-best sixth win and fifth complete game of 2021.

What's Next?

Harvard plays host to Boston University on Tuesday, April 5. The doubleheader is slated to start at 3 p.m. ET and will air on ESPN+.