BOSTON, Mass. – Sophomore pitcher Nicolette Hunter only allowed one hit across five shutout innings against the Terriers, as Harvard softball fell just short, 2-0, in a midweek meeting against Boston University at BU Softball Field.

Putting in five innings of work, Hunter held the Terriers offense at bay with just 67 pitches, collecting three strikeouts in the process. An All-Ivy League honorable mention last year, Hunter lowers her earned run average to 2.41, a mark that ranks second on the team and in the top-five in the Ivy League. Junior outfielder Lael Ayala and sophomoreinfielder Sophie Sun both collected base hits in Boston.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

Stellar and efficient starting pitching defined the contest between Harvard (20-11, 9-6 Ivy League) and Boston University (30-15, 10-2 Patriot League). Hunter only needed 41 pitches in the first four frames, collecting three strikeouts while only allowing one hit, keeping the Terriers off the board as well.

In the fifth inning, Hunter fought off a leadoff walk, forcing three straight groundouts to preserve the 0-0 tie. A native of Camarillo, California, Hunter silenced the hosts over five innings and 67 pitches, only allowing one hit with three strikeouts.

The Terriers jumped into the lead in the sixth inning. After a leadoff walk, Kylie Doherty hit a go-ahead two run home run to right field.

Across seven innings, the Harvard pitching staff held the Patriot League's highest scoring offense to just two runs on two hits. Hunter lowers her ERA to 2.41 on the season, as she ranks second on the team and in the top-five in the Ivy League.

UP NEXT:

The Crimson return to Ivy League action this weekend, heading north to Hanover, New Hampshire for a three-game set against Dartmouth on Saturday, Apr. 26 and Sunday, Apr. 27. Harvard fans can stream all the action against the Big Green live on ESPN+.

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