SPARTANSBURG, S.C. (Feb. 22, 2026)--The Morgan State softball team closed out its season opening weekend with a 10-1 non-conference loss to Harvard in five innings on Sunday morning in the finale of the Upstate Classic at Cyrill Stadium.
 
Harvard (5-4) totaled 10 runs on 10 hits and committed an error, while the Lady Bears (0-5) recorded a run on four hits and had two errors.
 
The Crimson struck for three runs in the bottom of the first inning. Morgan State got a run back in the top of the second inning when Olivia Garner reached on a throwing error by the Harvard shortstop, which allowed Denver Obermeyer to score, cutting the deficit to 3-1.
 
Harvard responded with three more runs in the bottom half of the second when Finley Payne homered to right center to increase the Crimson lead to 6-1. Harvard went back to work in the fourth, adding four more runs in the inning, highlighted by a two-run double down the left field line by Alexa Wohr to make it a 9-1 game.
 
Olivia Pagano led the Lady Bears with two hits, while Rylee Hyde and Obermeyer each added a hit. Millie Cousins tossed 2.2 innings in relief and threw two strikeouts.  
 
Harvard was led by Payne, who went 2-for-2 with a game-high three runs and a game-high 4 RBI. Sophie Sun also recorded two hits and scored twice.
 
Nicolette Hunter improved to 2-2 on season with the win for the Crimson. Hunter surrendered a run on three hits and a walk, while striking out six batters in four innings.
 
Morgan State will be in action on Thursday, Feb. 26, when they take on rival and host Towson (5-7) in the opener of the TU DeMarini Invite (Feb. 26-Mar. 1). First pitch is at 2 p.m. at Tiger Softball Stadium.
 
The two teams have split the last 10 meetings, each winning five contests. The Tigers have won the last two meetings, including a 4-3 victory last season (4/2/25) and a 4-3 win in eight innings the year before (3/26/24). Morgan State's last win over Towson was a 9-1 victory in six innings (3/29/23).
 
 
FOLLOW MORGAN STATE ATHLETICS IN CYBERSPACE 
There are many ways to keep up with MSU athletics online and on the go:
• Visit www.morganstatebears.com, the official web site of Bear athletics, for news, schedules, stats, bios and more. 
• Follow us on social media:
 Facebook: /MorganStateBears
 Twitter: @MorganStBears
 Instagram: /MorganStateBears
 
ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.