NEW YORK – Columbia scored three runs in the top of the sixth inning and forced extra innings, but the Lions couldn't hang on as Harvard scored a run in the top of the eighth inning to take a 5-4 win on Sunday afternoon at the Columbia Softball Stadium.
 
Columbia falls to 12-18 overall with a 7-5 mark in Ivy League action after being swept by Harvard this weekend.
 
A Cami Neal RBI single scored Jaden Hill and put the Lions in front in the bottom of the first inning as the offense had a strong start. The Crimson responded with a three-spot in the top of the second inning to take the lead before a weather delay briefly paused the action in the bottom of the second inning.
 
The Crimson added another run in the top of the fifth inning and looked to be in control before the Lions got the bats going in the bottom of the sixth inning. Hill got the scoring started with an RBI base hit that scored pinch runner Tatum Hubble. Savanna Messner then lined a two-RBI single to left center that scored Hill and Sarah Mikami to tie the game.
 
Columbia and Harvard played a scoreless seventh inning before Harvard was able to plate a run on an RBI base hit in the top of the eighth. The Lions were retired in order as Harvard secured the win.
 
Charlotte Laidler (1-2) was charged with the loss in 1.2 innings of work as she allowed Harvard's go-ahead run. Mikami earned the start and tossed 2.1 innings, allowing three runs on three hits. Raquel Reyes stepped in for 4.0 innings, allowing a run on six hits.
 
ON DECK
Columbia returns to action Wednesday afternoon when the Lions host Iona for a midweek game. First pitch from the Columbia Softball Stadium is set for 4 p.m.
 
FOLLOWING THE LIONS
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