The Cornell softball team lost both games of a doubleheader against Princeton on March 21 at Cynthia Lynn Paul ’94 Field. The Tigers won the first game 6-4 and took the second game 16-0 in five innings. With these results, Cornell’s record moved to 7-10, while Princeton improved to 12-9.
These games are important for both teams as they compete in their season schedules and look to improve their standings. The outcomes also highlight the challenges Cornell faced against a strong Princeton offense.
In the opening game, Princeton scored four runs in the first inning with key hits from Dominguez, Ford, and Valenzuela. Cornell responded by narrowing the gap over the next two innings. Hailey Pirkey doubled home Tarisa Frans in the second inning, and Lauren Holt drove in two more runs with a double in the third. Ella Harrod tied the game with a sacrifice fly. However, Ford hit a home run for Princeton in the bottom of the third to retake the lead, and Valenzuela added an insurance run later. Cornell was unable to score again as Princeton secured a 6-4 win.
In game two, Princeton built an early lead by scoring nine runs in the first inning through walks and multiple hits from Valenzuela, Ratcheson, Zhang, and Dominguez. The Tigers continued their offensive surge with four more runs in the second inning and three additional runs in the third. Valenzuela hit a home run that brought home two runs during this stretch. Cornell was held scoreless throughout as Princeton’s pitching staff limited opportunities for Big Red hitters. The game ended after five innings due to the run rule.
Cornell will play Princeton again tomorrow for the series finale at Cynthia Lynn Paul ’94 Field at 12:30 p.m., with coverage available on ESPN+.
