Freshman shortstop Rhianna Rich set the tone for Harvard’s offense in her collegiate debut, and the Crimson (3-1) opened the 2016 season with three wins in four games at the Jacksonville University Green and Gold Classic.

Rich tallied nine hits in 16 at bats while crossing the plate seven times over the weekend. Four of the El Segundo, Calif. native’s hits went for extra bases, as she recorded a double, two triples, and a home run.

Along with Rich, sophomore left fielder Maddy Kaplan had a strong weekend at the plate. Kaplan went 6-for-14 with 3 doubles, six RBI, two walks, and a stolen base.

“I think the whole team was really excited to be together and finally get out and play on the field because we’ve been stuck in the bubble for the past month,” Rich said.

HARVARD 11, JACKSONVILLE 5

After dropping Saturday’s first game to Albany (RECORD), Harvard got back into the win column under the lights against Jacksonville.

The Crimson came alive offensively in its last game of the weekend with 15 hits and 11 runs.

Sophomore Taylor Cabe got her second start in the circle and improved to 2-0.

Freshman Kathleen Duncan closed out her third game out of four on the weekend. Although she did not pick up the save because of Harvard’s six-run lead, she was once again dominant in the circle.

“Katie Duncan and Sarah Smith really did well coming in from the bullpen to finish games,” captain Zoe Galindo said. “Coming in on relief as a pitcher is a really difficult thing to do, so it’s a really good learning experience for them.”

ALBANY 7, HARVARD 4

Holding a comfortable 4-1 lead after four and a half innings of play, the Crimson was looking at a third straight win to open its season.

However, after an Albany rally that saw five Great Danes cross the plate in the fifth inning, Harvard was unable to mount a comeback and ended up with its first loss of 2016.

Albany sophomore Devin Durando went the distance and only surrendered four runs. In the circle for the Crimson, Groom cruised through the first four innings but faltered in the fifth.

Eight of the Great Danes 11 hits were singles, but they capitalized on a big fifth inning to push seven total runs across the plate.