Harvard Softball Faces Columbia in Thrilling Doubleheader
This past weekend, Harvard softball played its final Ivy League series of the 2026 regular season against Columbia in New York. The action was intense, with the teams splitting their doubleheader.
In the first game, Harvard won an exhilarating contest, 9-3, after 13 innings. Sophomore infielder Sophie Sun shined brightly, hitting two home runs, including a crucial grand slam in the 13th inning. First-year infielder Hannah Ziecik also had a standout performance, racking up four hits.
The second game saw Columbia triumph, 9-6, despite strong efforts from Harvard. Captain Audrey Szollosi had a stellar outing, going three-for-three at the plate.
Game One Recap
The Crimson started strong, taking a 1-0 lead in the second inning. They doubled their advantage to 2-0 in the third, thanks to a solid hit by senior infielder Finley Payne. However, Columbia fought back, hitting a three-run homer to take a brief lead, 3-2.
Not to be outdone, Sun tied the game in the fifth with a powerful home run. This was her 12th of the season, setting a record for the most home runs by a Harvard player in a single year since 2013.
With the score tied at 3-3, neither team scored until the 13th inning. That’s when Harvard surged, scoring six runs. Sun’s grand slam was a highlight, pushing the score to 9-3. Harvard finished with a season-high 19 hits, with Sun driving in five runs.
Game Two Highlights
After the marathon game one, Columbia took an early 1-0 lead in the second game. Harvard quickly responded, scoring two runs in the third inning; Szollosi scored on a wild pitch, followed by a sacrifice fly from sophomore Alexa Muller.
Harvard extended its lead with another home run from Payne, making it 4-1. But Columbia stormed back in the sixth, scoring six runs, ultimately sealing their 9-6 victory.
Noteworthy Moments
- Harvard’s 13-inning win is the team’s longest game since 2004.
- Ziecik’s four hits in game one marked a career best for her.
- Sun’s impressive 13 home runs this season is a significant achievement for the program.
Future Matches
Harvard will close the 2026 regular season against Columbia tomorrow at 12:30 PM.
For more updates, follow Harvard Softball on Twitter and Instagram.
This matchup highlights the competitive spirit of Ivy League softball, and the performances are a testament to the players’ dedication and talent. As the season wraps up, the players’ stats show an exciting season ahead.
For more details on team stats and player performances, check out ESPN’s softball statistics.
