The Columbia Lions opened the Ivy League Tournament with a hard‑fought 6‑3 win over No. 2 Penn, a victory that propelled them into the championship‑round matchup against Yale.
Key Performances on the mound and at the plate
Alex Sotiropoulos delivered a quality start, scattering nine hits while striking out eight and allowing only three runs. His effort kept the Lions in control early in the game.
At the plate, Cole Fellows was the offensive catalyst, going 3‑for‑4 with an RBI and a run scored. His consistent hitting helped fuel a three‑run second inning that swung momentum decisively in Columbia’s favor.
The game began with Penn striking first, as Gavin Degnan and Nick Spaventa produced consecutive two‑out doubles in the top of the first to take an early lead. Columbia answered quickly, with Owen Estabrook’s single tying the contest at 1‑1 before Jackson Brewer’s RBI single put the Lions ahead.
Columbia’s offense continued to press, loading the bases and forcing Penn into a three‑run second inning highlighted by contributions from Anthony Temesvary and Fellows. The Lions maintained pressure throughout, drawing eight walks and ensuring every batter reached base at least once.
Relief pitcher Will Harrigan sealed the win with his second save of the season, retiring six of seven batters in the eighth inning. His clutch performance capped a solid pitching effort that included a scoreless third inning from Sotiropoulos and a 1‑2‑3 sixth inning with two strikeouts.
Penn managed a late rally, scoring in the seventh on a double by Jarrett Pokrovsky, but the Lions’ defense held firm. A wild pitch in the sixth added an insurance run, and Columbia’s defense combined with strong pitching to finish the game at 6‑3.