After starting its season with two impressive victories, Harvard was slammed by UC Riverside (7-19) in the second game of a Saturday doubleheader for a six-inning 8-0 shutout loss.

The Crimson tried several pitchers, but none could completely shut down the Highlander hitters.

Starter Lauren Bettinelli took a tough loss, giving up six hits and four runs in 3 2/3 innings.

Reliever Amanda Watkins also struggled, surrendering three runs in the final inning as UC Riverside put the game out of reach.

In contrast to the explosive bats of the Highlanders, Harvard’s lineup remained silent for the duration of the game, worn out after the first half of the doubleheader.

“A doubleheader isn’t something you can really practice for, so it was sort of a mental exhaustion,” first baseman Cecily Gordon said. “We came off an early game and we played wonderfully, and then I just think we let down. It was just a function of us not quite being prepared mentally.”

While Bettinelli contributed to her own cause with a base knock, the Crimson managed just one other hit—a single by outfielder Suzie Winkeller—in six innings of play.

HARVARD 4, CAL POLY 2

Propelled by a solid starting perfor

mance, exceptional relief pitching, and timely hitting, Harvard surged to a 4-2 victory over Cal Poly (11-10) in the first half of the Saturday doubleheader.

Junior starter Michele McAteer allowed two hits and both Mustang runs in her three innings of work before being replaced by sophomore Becky Voaklander.

Voaklander picked up a well-earned victory with four innings of three-hit, shutout relief that ended the Cal Poly comeback attempt.

“When Becky went in, the hitters couldn’t really touch her,” McAteer said. “She really came out strong and