Harvard Women’s Lacrosse Shines with Victory Over No. 14 Penn, 10-8

Harvard Women’s Lacrosse Upsets No. 14 Penn

Harvard’s women’s lacrosse team pulled off an exciting 10-8 victory against No. 14 Penn in a rain-soaked match at Jordan Field. This win marked Harvard’s third victory over a ranked opponent this season.

Game Overview

The game started quickly with Harvard scoring just 37 seconds in thanks to Charlotte Hodgson. However, Penn responded strongly, scoring three consecutive goals to lead 3-1. Undeterred, Harvard rallied to tie the score at 4-4 by the end of the first quarter.

As the game progressed, Charley Meier came alive, scoring two goals within half a minute to give Harvard a 6-4 lead early in the second quarter. Penn managed to narrow the gap to 6-5 before halftime.

In the second half, the back-and-forth continued. After Penn took a 7-6 lead, Meier struck again, equalizing the score at 7-7. The game intensified in the fourth quarter when Penn scored first to regain an 8-7 lead. But Harvard quickly took control, with key goals from Hannah Shiels, Annabel Child, and another from Hodgson, sealing the upset. Child’s behind-the-back goal was particularly impressive and pivotal, putting Harvard ahead 9-8.

Key Players

Several players stood out in this match:

• Charley Meier recorded three goals, tying her career-high.
• Caroline Mullahy, who recently set a program record for assists, contributed three assists and a goal.
• Hodgson and Grace Mullahy both added two goals.
• Lizzie Francioli made nine crucial saves in goal, helping the team snap a three-game losing streak against Penn.

This victory highlights Harvard’s continued improvement this season, particularly against ranked teams. Earlier, they also defeated No. 15 Navy and No. 23 UConn, showcasing their growing strength in the Ivy League.

Looking Ahead

Next, Harvard will face Cornell on April 12 in Ithaca, NY. The team hopes to build on this momentum and continue its push for a strong finish in the Ivy League.

For more details on Ivy League lacrosse, you can check out NCAA Lacrosse.

This thrilling match is not just about the scores and stats; it reflects the resilience and teamwork that are vital in athletics, making each game worthwhile for players and fans alike.

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