RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Harvard softball wrapped up day two at the Lance Up Invite with a pair of defeats against Sacramento State and tournament host California Baptist.

The Crimson started the day with a 4-1 defeat against Sacramento State.

Harvard finished the day in an exciting matchup where they ultimately came up short in a 6-3 defeat against California Baptist. Despite the loss, sophomore outfielder Lael Ayala hit her first home run of the 2024 campaign. 

HOW IT HAPPENED IN GAME ONE:

The Hornets quickly got on the board in the first inning.

In the sixth frame, Sacramento State scored another unearned run to put the Hornets up 2-0. To close out the inning Harvard got on the board as junior outfielder Savannah Fitzpatrick advanced to third and scored on a fielding error to make it 2-1.

Harvard eventually fell 4-1 as the Hornets scored two more runs in the seventh inning to close out the game.

Senior pitcher Anna Reed started in the circle for the Crimson, allowing four runs on five hits with one strikeout and two walks on the day. Fitzpatrick registered two hits as Harvard scored one run on seven hits.

HOW IT HAPPENED IN GAME TWO:

California Baptist took an early lead in the first inning after an RBI. The Crimson responded with back-to-back RBI's in the top of the second. Ayala started off with a single to centerfield that allowed Alexa Wohr to cross home plate, tying the score. In the next at bat, Molly Dickerson got a hit, bringing in Allison O'Heany for the lead, 2-1. CBU responded at the bottom of the second, bringing a 2-2 score into the third.

After a quick, and scoreless, third inning, CBU grabbed another run after a Crimson fielding error in the fourth. The Crimson kept their deficit to one with a double play to end the inning. 

To start off the fifth, Ayala hit her first home run of the season on a 2-2 count. CBU scored the eventual game winning runs with a three-run home run in the bottom of the fifth.

The game ended with scoreless sixth and seventh innings.

Katie Arrambide started in the circle and tallied five innings with five hits and four strikeouts. Nicolette Hunter pitched the remainder of the game, allowing one hit.

HARVARD HIGHLIGHTS:

• Fitzpatrick had two hits against Sacramento State.
• Ayala scored her first home run of the season and was credited with two RBIs against California Baptist.

UP NEXT:

Harvard closes out the Lance Up Invite tomorrow as the team will face UC San Diego for the second time this weekend. The game will take place at 1:00 p.m. EST.

For complete coverage of Harvard Softball, follow the team on Twitter (@HarvardSB) and Instagram (@harvardsb).