CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — In a true defensive fashion, the No. 15-ranked Harvard University women’s water polo team captured its first conference victory of the season by stopping Brown University, 7-6, at home during the Harvard Invitational. The Crimson moves to 10-0 on the season, adding to the program’s best start in its National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) varsity history.
In a nearly scoreless first quarter of play, sophomore Quinne Pursell put up the first goal of the match on a six-on-five drive after five and half minutes of play. Moving into the second period the Crimson picked up its offensive strategy as Mathilde Ribordy extended the lead just 25 seconds in. Brown’s Dagmara Czajka, however, countered with of goal of her own before Ribordy capitalized on another six-on five.
Tied 3-3 going into the second half of play, the Crimson’s Ribordy struck a hat trick only 30 seconds in to give the Crimson the lead yet again. The Bears quickly countered with a score of their own, beginning a goal-counter-goal bout. Throughout the final eight minutes of play, Harvard saw the last two goals from Evan Tingler and Kristen Hong to seal the 7-6 victory.
First-year goaltender Zoe Banks collected seven saves with two assists and a steal throughout the contest.
Leading the Crimson,Ribordy found the back of the net on three occasions while additionally tabbing an assist and a steal. Further, the Crimson forced a total of 11 ejections.
Release courtesy Harvard University Athletics Communications
