IRVINE, Calif. — No. 11-ranked Harvard University women’s water polo fell in a back-and-forth game to host/No. 9 the University of California-Irvine, 12-10, to close out the Crimson’s West Coast trip.
Harvard closes the trip with a 5-2 record and faced five ranked opponents throughout the week in California.
Maya O’Dea led the way for the Crimson, netting five goals, while Emma Gilbert also picked up three points (two goals, one assist).Heidi Heffelfinger, Sofia Del Villar and Lucy Levenberg-Penklis each scored once
The Crimson jumped ahead in the first quarter, taking a 5-4 lead after the first eight minutes of action. The game tightened up after that with UCI scoring two goals to Harvard’s one in the second quarter before the teams traded solo strikes in the third quarter.
However, the Anteaters netted five goals in the final quarter to seal the deal despite two late goals from and O’Dea.and Levenberg-Penklis.
Niki Piovan dished out two assists, Del Villar recorded three steals and goalkeeper Orli Cooper stopped 14 shots..
Deirdre Murphy led the Anteaters with four goals, Sara Naulty netted the hat trick, while Pippa Heaver netted two goals. Lauren Hett, Madi O’Hara, and Michelle Urkov each added solo tallies to support a 10 save effort by goalkeeper Ella Walker.
Information courtesy Harvard University/University of California-Irvine Athletics Communications
