Harvard Women’s Water Polo Battles Hard but Falls Short Against USC in NCAA Tournament Showdown

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Harvard’s women’s water polo team faced No. 4 USC in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, ending with an 18-7 loss. This game marked Harvard’s inaugural appearance in the NCAA Tournament, capping off a remarkable season for the program.

Here’s how the game unfolded:

USC kicked off the scoring with an early goal. But Harvard quickly responded with a stunning shot from Ruby Hodge, who netted the team’s first-ever NCAA Tournament goal. Hodge executed a precise shot that tied the game at 1-1, showcasing her skill.

However, USC dominated the following moments, scoring three quick goals to take a 4-1 lead. Hodge managed to score again just before the end of the first quarter, cutting USC’s lead to 5-2.

The second quarter saw USC extend their lead with five additional goals. Harvard’s Emma Gilbert broke the momentum with a fantastic no-look shot that made it 10-3 by halftime.

In the third quarter, Hodge completed her hat trick, and Maya O’Dea contributed two more goals. Harvard narrowed the deficit to 13-6.

In the final quarter, USC surged again, outscoring Harvard 5-1. Erin Kim secured Harvard’s last goal of the game, ending the contest at 18-7.

Despite the loss, this season was monumental for Harvard. It marked a significant step forward for the program, which has been steadily gaining ground in collegiate water polo. Experts believe this experience will help the team grow and attract more talent in the future. According to recent surveys by the NCAA, participation in women’s sports is on the rise, demonstrating a positive trend across the board.

As Harvard reflects on this season, their journey serves as inspiration for other emerging programs. The team’s determination and performance showcase the potential for growth in competitive collegiate sports.

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