San Diego State 8, Harvard 1

In Sunday’s lone match up, Harvard was topped 8-1 by host San Diego State. Brotemarkle got off to a rocky start, throwing a wild pitch and allowing two runs in the first inning.

Brotemarkle, who took the loss, was relieved by freshman Michele McAteer. She pitched 3 1/3 strong innings, but the Aztecs scored two more.

“[McAteer] showed a lot of poise and was really effective. It was impressive for a freshman to do that against such good competition,” Canham said.

At the plate, the Crimson was led by a pair of sophomores. Beth Sabin knocked in Harvard’s only run of the game in the top of the first. Catcher Cecily Gordon went 1-for-3 to finish out a hot-hitting weekend.

“The key was staying relaxed and focusing on what I had to do,” Sabin said. “I was excited to play my first collegiate game in front of my parents, so maybe that helped.”

Despite the losses, the Crimson was upbeat.

“This was a positive performance for us, considering these were our first games and the first time playing on dirt [this year],” Sabin said. “Things are looking up.”

The Crimson will be on the road this weekend, as it heads to Drexel along with Brown. The Dragons are winless this season, but might not have the chance to test themselves against Harvard. Their last several games have been cancelled due to inclement weather.

After Drexel, the team ventures south for the Buzz Classic during Spring Break.

—Staff Writer Robert A. Cacace can be reached at cacace@fas.harvard.edu.