SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Harvard softball's offense was once again effective and explosive in the Palmetto State, as the Crimson closed out the weekend with a 10-1 win against Morgan State, representing Harvard's second run-rule win across the last five contests.

After a career-day against Holy Cross yesterday, junior infielder Finley Payne was once again sensational at the plate, matching her career-high in RBIs with four on two hits, including her first home run of the season. Four different Crimson pitchers appeared in the circle, as junior pitcher Nicolette Hunter tossed four innings without an earned run, allowing just three hits with six strikeouts.

The Crimson end its weekend down south with a 4-1 record, outscoring its opponents, 30-12, across the five contests. Hunter dominated in the circle, posting a 0.00 earned run average and 19 strikeouts across a team-high 12.2 innings pitched.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The first inning continued to be an impactful frame for the Crimson, as Harvard (5-4, 0-0 Ivy League) tallied the first three runs of the contest against Morgan State (0-5, 0-0 MEAC) in its half of the opening frame. A walk from junior outfielder and team captain Audrey Szollosi set the table for Payne, who continued her stellar weekend in the Palmetto State with an RBI single.

Fron there, the Crimson added two runs. With two runners on, a groundout from first-year infielder Hannah Ziecik and a sacrifice fly from first-year infielder Ellie Davis scored two more runs before the conclusion of the first inning, giving Harvard a 3-0 lead from the jump.

The Lady Bears tallied a run in the top half of the second, but the Crimson answered right back with three runs on one swing in the latter half of the inning. Singles from Forbes and Szollosi put two runners on for Payne, as the Liberty Township, Ohio native sent a shot to right center for a three-run homer, 6-1.

An All-Ivy League Second Team selection, Payne hits her first home run of the season, as the homer against Morgan State is also her 10^th career home run.

After a scoreless third inning, the Crimson offense once again stepped up in the fourth inning, putting the game away with four runs in the fourth. With the bases loaded, a Lady Bears fielding error allowed a run to score for Harvard, 7-1, as junior infielder Alexa Wohr brought in two runs with an RBI double down the left field line, 9-1. An RBI single from senior outfielder Lael Ayala scored the final run of the day, as the Crimson secured the 10-1 run-rule decision.

Harvard scores double-digit runs in a game for the first time this season, tallying 10 runs on 10 hits. Payne matches her career-high in RBIs with four, as the top of the Crimson's order went a combined five-for-seven against Morgan State. After striking out a career-best 10 batters in a five-inning complete game shutout yesterday against Holy Cross, Hunter was once again excellent in the circle, allowing zero earned runs with strikeouts across four innings of work.

HARVARD HIGHLIGHTS

• Payne matches her career-high for RBIs in a game with four against Morgan State, hitting her first home run of the season as well.
• A native of Liberty Township, Ohio, Payne tallied seven hits in 14 at-bats this weekend, hitting one home run and driving in eight runs.
• Hunter struck out six batters against Morgan State across four innings. Hunter pitched 12.2 innings across three appearances, posting a perfect 0.00 earned run average with 19 strikeouts while only allowing two walks.
• The Crimson outscored its opponents, 30-12, in contests this weekend in South Carolina.
• Harvard scored double-digit runs in a game for the first time this season in the 10-1 win against Morgan State.

UP NEXT

Harvard travels to the Sunshine State next weekend, as the Crimson will compete in the FIU Classic from Friday, Feb. 27 to Sunday, Mar. 1.

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