CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – This weekend, the No. 8 women’s water polo team kicks off its CWPA season with four exciting matches at Bucknell University.
The action starts Saturday at 10:00 a.m. against the Bucknell Bisons, followed by a matchup against Saint Francis at 2:30 p.m. On Sunday, Harvard faces No. 16 Michigan at 9:00 a.m. and Mercyhurst at noon. You can catch all the games live on the Bucknell Athletics YouTube page.
ESSENTIAL INFO
- In the latest CWPA poll, Harvard and Stanford are the only two top-eight teams still undefeated.
- Sophomores Niki Piovan and Orli Cooper recently earned CWPA weekly awards for their outstanding performances in Philadelphia.
- Piovan scored 12 goals and provided six assists over three games, marking her second weekly honor this season.
- Cooper showcased her skills with an impressive 39 saves, earning her third Defensive Player of the Week award.
- At the Wildcat Invite, Harvard triumphed over No. 22 Wagner and No. 23 California Baptist, then defeated Villanova to cap the weekend.
- This season, Harvard made history by scoring over 15 goals in three consecutive games—something they hadn’t done before.
- Last season, the team finished 10-2 in conference play, with both losses to Michigan and Princeton.
- Against the Red Flash last year, Harvard dominated, winning 17-9 and 18-1. They also crushed Mercyhurst with scores of 20-2 and 20-3.
- In their previous encounters with Bucknell, Harvard won decisively, 18-4 and 18-5.
COMPARING PAST AND PRESENT
Historically, water polo has become a fiercely competitive sport at the collegiate level. In just a few years, women’s teams have made significant strides in skill and popularity. The rise of teams like Harvard reflects not only dedication from the players but also a growing interest in women’s sports.
Current trends show a youth surge in women participating in water sports. A recent study highlighted that participation in women’s collegiate water polo has increased by 30% over the past five years. This isn’t just good for the sport; it inspires young girls to pursue athletics more rigorously, leading to a healthier and more involved generation.
As Harvard prepares for its upcoming matches, it stands on the shoulders of the women’s sports pioneers who fought for recognition and equality. Athletes today continue to push boundaries, showing that the future is bright for women in sports.
LOOKING AHEAD
Harvard will return to Blodgett for the Harvard Invite starting on February 28.
