BRIDGEPORT, Pa. — Goalkeeper Orli Cooper (So., Greensboro, N.C./Guilford Home Educators) of No. 13-ranked Harvard University stymied Villanova University, No. 14 Princeton University and No. 18 Marist University during the course of a 4-0 weekend by the Crimson at home in Blodgett Pool during the 2026 Harvard Invitational. For her performance, Cooper records recognition as the March 2 Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) Defensive Player of the Week.
The award marks the third Defensive Player of the Week nod for Cooper in 2026 following prior recognition on January 26 and February 2. Overall, the honor marks the 11th weekly accolade bestowed on the netminder as the 2025 CWPA Championship Most Valuable Player claimed seven Defensive Player (February 3, February 10, February 24, March 3, March 17, March 24, April 28) and one Player (April 28) of the Week award during her freshman season.
She opened the weekend on Saturday, February 28, by turning aside eight shots in a 17-7 defeat of Villanova before the Crimson knocked off the University of California-Merced.
On Sunday, March 1, Cooper opened the month with a lionizing performance by making eight saves as Harvard knocked off CWPA rival Princeton by an 8-5 count. In the weekend finale versus Marist, she turned aside six shots as the Crimson rolled to a 14-8 win.
March 2 Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) Division I Defensive Player of the Week Honor Roll: Lidnsey Lucas (Princeton University)
