SAN DIEGO, Calif. — No. 8-ranked Harvard University held its own but suffered setbacks versus Big Ten institutions No. 16 the University of Michigan, 9-7, and No. 17 Indiana University, 17-16 OT SD, on the final day of the 2025 Aztec Invitational hosted at the Aztec Aquaplex by No. 20 San Diego State University.
Facing Michigan in a Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) contest contested at a neutral site, the Crimson trailed 8-3 at the end of the third quarter. The squad made a strong comeback in the fourth quarter, scoring four goals to narrow the gap. Despite the late push, Harvard fell short.
Heidi Heffelfinger led the Crimson offense with three goals, while Emma Gilbert added two goals and two assists to the board.
Maya O’Dea recorded two assists.
Niki Piovan contributed on both ends of the pool with one goal, three assists and four steals.
Dany Zapata also found the net with one goal
Orli Cooper was key between the posts, recording 14 saves.
The win by Michigan avenges a 14-3 road loss on February 23 in Cambridge, Mass.
The loss drops Harvard to 7-1 in CWPA competition this year as the Crimson hold a lead over runner-up/No. 12 Princeton University (4-1), Michigan (3-2), Brown University (3-4), Bucknell University (2-4), Saint Francis University (1-4) and Mercyhurst University (0-4). Princeton’s loss came versus the Crimson on February 8 as Harvard claimed a 7-6 victory in Cambridge. Michigan’s other defeat occurred on February 22 at Harvard as Princeton knocked off the Wolverines by a 10-9 count.
Against former CWPA institution/current Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) member Indiana, Harvard kept the match close by trading goals with the Hoosiers. Despite staying neck and neck, their efforts were not enough as Indiana sealed the game with a strike in sudden death overtime.
Gilbert led Harvard’s offense with seven goals. Piovan contributed four goals as a total of seven Crimson athletes made the score sheet.
Ruby Hodge notched five assists and Cooper stopped 15 shots.
Information courtesy Harvard University Athletics Communications
