Lauren Holt set the Ivy League single-season home run record as the Cornell University softball team defeated Brown University 8-6 on Monday at Niemand-Robison Field, closing the season with a 21-22 overall record and 8-13 mark in Ivy League play while Brown finished its campaign following the loss. Holt’s historic blast highlighted a strong offensive performance in the finale.
Cornell struck first in the second inning on an RBI single from Charlize Cai before Brown briefly took the lead with a two-run homer in the fourth. The Big Red responded with a decisive five-run fourth inning, as Cai tied the game, Tarisa Frans delivered an RBI single, and Emma Harshberger broke it open with a three-run triple to make it 6-2.
Holt delivered the signature moment in the sixth inning, launching her 19th home run of the season to extend Cornell’s lead to 8-4 and set the Ivy League record. She finished 2-for-4 with two RBIs, while Harshberger added a 2-for-3 performance with three RBIs and a triple as Cornell totaled 12 hits.
Mila Fiordalisi earned the win, pitching 6.1 innings and allowing six runs on nine hits while navigating multiple threats. Harshberger closed the game in relief, retiring the final two outs without allowing a run. Brown mounted a late push with a two-run homer in the seventh, but Cornell held on to secure the victory.
Cornell concludes its 2026 season following the win at Niemand-Robison Field, with Holt’s record-setting performance serving as the highlight of the finale.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].