PRINCETON, N.J. — The No. 18-ranked Harvard University women’s water polo team defeated No. 22 San Diego State University, 10-8, in its first match of the day before going on to take down St. Francis College Brooklyn, 20-6, on the first day of the Princeton University Invitational at DeNunzio Pool.
Senior captains Sofia Carrera-Justiz and Mathilde Ribordy and first-year Brooke Hourigan each contributed four goals in the Crimson’s two victories on the day. Leading the team in assists was junior Olivia Price and sophomore Borden Wahl, who each tallied three helpers. Price and Hourigan both recorded five steals over the two matches. In goal, sophomore Zoe Banks totaled five saves against San Diego State, while first-year Alexis Kieckhafer was credited with six saves and two assists against St. Francis Brooklyn.
In its first match of the day against San Diego State, the Crimson got out to an early 4-2 lead after the first quarter thanks to two goals from sophomore Grace Thawley. San Diego State made a comeback in the second and third quarters, outscoring Harvard 5-3 to tie the match up at seven heading into the fourth quarter. With under a minute remaining in the match and the Crimson up 9-8, sophomore Evan Tingler found the back of the net for the insurance goal and Banks would make a last-minute save to help Harvard preserve the 10-8 victory.
The Crimson continued its momentum into its second match, outscoring the Terriers 11-4 in the first half. Kieckhafer posted the first shutout quarter of her Crimson career, allowing Harvard to take the 15-4 lead into the fourth quarter. A five-goal period by the Crimson, two of which came from Ribordy, sealed the 20-6 victory
Senior Lana Gorlinski, Ribordy and Hourigan each had a hat trick in the match against St. Francis Brooklyn.
Release courtesy Harvard University Athletics Communications
