WASHINGTON, D.C. — The No. 14-ranked Harvard University women’s water polo team captured a 15-13 win over the No. 24 Bison of Bucknell University at George Washington University in non-conference action.
Mathilde Ribordy wasted no time for the Crimson as she notched the first tally on the scoreboard before Grace Thawley tossed one of her own in just thirty seconds later. The first quarter saw only one additional goal as Kristen Hong capitalized on a five-meter penalty shot. Bucknell’s Nina Benson tied the match up just seconds in before Ribordy struck again in response. The back-and-forth banter continued as both teams exited the half tied at eigh-all.
Once again. the Bison’s Benson quickly netted the first score coming out of the break, but the lead was short lived as Sofia Carrera-Justiz tossed it over to an awaiting Hong for the tie.
Harvard continued to see three more goals from Carrera-Justiz and Thawley for a one goal lead going into the final eight minutes.
Adding to its lead, Harvard passed the ball around the pool for three more goal connections for a cushion to lead.
In a last minute push, the Bison found the net but it was not enough to overcome the deficit.
Carrera-Justiz recorded a season-high five goals with three assists and a designated kick out for the Crimson, while Hong collected a season-high five assists in addition to two goals and a steal.
In the cage, first-year Zoe Banks logged 10 saves and three steals to earn the win for Harvard.
Release courtesy Harvard University Athletics Communications
