ERIE, Pa. — Senior Michelle Martinelli and freshman Mathilde Ribordy combined for nine goals as the No. 20-ranked Harvard University women’s water polo team dominated Gannon University with a 17-6 victory. Martinelli matched her career-high with five goals, while Ribordy set a personal best with four scores against the Golden Knights.
Harvard, which improved to 10-9, used a nine-goal burst in the second quarter to run away from Gannon, marking the third time it has scored at least nine times in a frame this season. Martinelli and Ribordy both tallied hat tricks in the second as Harvard took a 13-4 lead at the half, after holding a one-goal (4-3) advantage after the first quarter.
The Crimson defense took care of the rest after the scoring spree, holding Gannon scoreless in the third quarter as Harvard continued to extend its lead. Harvard recorded 17 steals in the contest as it led by as many as 12 (16-4) against the Golden Knights. Senior Eela Nagaraj set a career high with five swipes, while sophomore Haley Bowe and freshman Sofia Carrera-Justiz had three steals apiece.
Harvard matched its highest scoring total of the season, totaling 17 goals in a previous win over Gannon on Feb. 12. Along with the nine from Martinelli and Ribordy, Carrera-Justiz and sophomore Kristen Hong both chipped in a pair of scores. Bowe, senior Zoe Osborne and freshmen Julie Harrison and Lana Gorlinski also tallied a goal for the Crimson.
Osborne paced the attack with four assists, while Nagaraj, Ribordy and Harrison had two setups of their own on the day.
Junior Cleo Harrington and Sam Acker split duties in net, as Harrington totaled two saves and two assists, and Acker racked up four stops to go along with three steals.
Release courtesy Harvard University Athletics Communications
