The first serious setback to the Crimson's Ivy title chances came in the first game against the Lions, when Columbia's Allison Buehler and Whitton engaged in a pitcher's duel. Harvard took an early lead when sophomore catcher Monica Montijo doubled in Watanabe, who had stolen second.
Whitton kept the Lions hitless through five innings, but the first hit was a double by Columbia's Anne-Marie Ebner. Ebner would eventually score the game-tying run.
In the next inning, Ebner struck again, driving the game winning run off of Thoke, who had come in to relieve Whitton with runners on base.
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Buehler finished what she started, striking out eight and walking none in her complete game.