The Cornell softball team split its Ivy League opening doubleheader against Yale on March 14, dropping the first game 14-4 before bouncing back to win the second contest 13-9 at 5K Corral Field in New Haven.
The results mark a high-scoring start to conference play for both teams. Cornell managed to recover from a lopsided loss in the opener by capitalizing on offensive opportunities and defensive errors by Yale in the second game.
In the first game, Lauren Holt gave Cornell an early lead with a solo home run, but Yale responded with an explosive second inning, scoring 11 runs and building a commanding advantage. The Bulldogs’ offense was led by Grace Westmoreland and Jane Littleton, who contributed multiple RBI hits during the rally. Despite a brief comeback attempt by Cornell in the fourth inning, Yale maintained control and secured victory via the run rule after five innings.
Cornell reversed its fortunes in game two. Holt again opened scoring with another solo home run, while Emma Harshberger drove in five runs on three hits and scored three times. The Big Red took advantage of several Yale errors and aggressive baserunning to build a substantial lead through the middle innings. Madelyn Covelli pitched 4.2 innings for Cornell, striking out three batters en route to earning the win.
Yale attempted a late comeback with multi-run rallies in the fifth and sixth innings, including a two-run homer by Ava Kainrath and key hits from Libby Peoples and Demi Donahoe. However, Cornell held off the Bulldogs’ surge to secure its first Ivy League victory of the season.
The series will conclude tomorrow when Cornell faces Yale again at 12:30 p.m., with coverage available on ESPN+.
