The Cornell softball team lost both games of its home-opening doubleheader against Lehigh on March 8 at Niemand-Robison Field. The Big Red fell 9-5 in the first game and narrowly lost the second contest, 9-8.
The results mark a challenging start for Cornell as it begins its season at home. The team showed offensive strength but was unable to overcome Lehigh’s late rallies in both games.
Lauren Holt led Cornell’s offense with four hits, three runs batted in, and a home run across the two games. Charlize Cai contributed four hits, one run, and an RBI from the leadoff spot. Sofia Hernandez added a three-run homer that gave Cornell a temporary lead in game one. On the mound, Mila Fiordalisi pitched 6.2 innings with five strikeouts in the opening loss, while Madalyn Covelli and Laney Freiband split pitching duties in game two, each recording a strikeout.
In game one, Lehigh took an early lead before Hailey Pirkey tied it up for Cornell with a two-run double. Hernandez’s home run put Cornell ahead 5-2 by the fourth inning. However, Lehigh responded with two runs in the fifth and tied the score with a solo homer by Abbey Tabaka in the sixth. A four-run seventh inning by Lehigh secured their win.
Game two saw another early lead for Lehigh after Lily Kern’s two-run homer. Holt responded for Cornell with an RBI single as part of an effort that kept the Big Red close throughout. Despite a five-run rally by Lehigh in the fourth inning, Cornell mounted late-inning comebacks but ultimately could not close the gap.
Looking ahead, Cornell will begin Ivy League play with a three-game series at Yale starting Saturday, March 14th at 12:30 p.m., followed by another matchup on Sunday at 12:30 p.m., both at 5K Corral Field. All games are scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN+.
