ROCK HILL, S.C. - The Harvard softball team (0-1) opened its 2023 season on Friday and fell short despite a seventh-inning rally, dropping a 3-2 decision at Winthrop (7-2). The Eagles' three-run third proved to be the difference in the ballgame, as the Crimson fell to 0-1.

First-year Riley Flynn was a bright spot out of the bullpen, going 3.1 shutout innings while allowing two hits, walking none and striking out three.

Offensively, the Crimson was led by senior Teagan Shaw, who went 1-for-1 on the day with a home run, two walks and an RBI.

How it Happened

The Crimson was trailing 3-0 in the fifth inning when it first put runs on the board. Shaw dented the scoreboard with a leadoff home run off Winthrop sophomore Reese Basinger.

The Crimson kept the deficit at 3-1 before closing the gap further in the seventh. Senior Mackenzie Tyler came across to score the lone run of the inning for Harvard, which provided the final margin.

Game Highlights

• Anna Reed got the opening-game start, throwing 2.2 innings and striking out three hitters.
• Harvard pitchers limited Winthrop to just 1-for-10 (.100) with runners in scoring position.
• Harvard pitchers faced 29 Winthrop hitters in the game, allowing three ground balls and eight fly balls while striking out six.
• Shaw led the Crimson at the plate, going 1-for-1 with a home run and an RBI.
• Teagan Shaw hit a home run in Game 1, after belting three throughout the entirety of the 2022 season. 
• Allison O'Heany had a pinch-hit RBI. She had three RBI total during the 2022 season.

Up Next

Harvard will play two games on day two of the Winthrop Garnet and Gold Tournament, facing off against Fordham at 10 a.m. tomorrow and getting another chance to defeat the Eagles at 3 p.m. Live stats will be available for both games.