Game Recap
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – The Harvard women’s water polo team achieved a remarkable feat this past weekend, winning all four matches at the Crimson Classic, culminating in an 11-8 victory against the No. 11 ranked UC San Diego on Sunday morning.
This marks the first time in program history that the Crimson have defeated four consecutive ranked teams, bringing their overall record to 7-1 after victories over No. 15 UC Santa Barbara, No. 13 Princeton, No. 24 LIU, and No. 11 UC San Diego.
Notably, in the opening phase of the season, the Crimson have triumphed over six ranked opponents—a remarkable milestone for the program during any seven-game stretch.
Throughout the Crimson Classic, the team showcased exceptional defensive skills, limiting their opponents to 10 goals or fewer in all four matches.
Performance Highlights
- Emma Gilbert ignited the scoring by finding space in the slot, securing an early lead for the Crimson.
- Heidi Heffelfinger quickly followed, executing a powerful move to extend the lead to two goals.
- Despite an initial push from UC San Diego to tie the game, Gilbert netted her second goal in the second quarter to reclaim the advantage.
- With just seven seconds remaining in the second quarter, Kaity Greenwald scored her first goal, granting the Crimson a lead they would sustain through the remainder of the game.
- Emma Gilbert completed her hat trick during the first possession of the second half.
- Heidi Heffelfinger ended the contest with an impressive four points, contributing two goals and two assists.
- Emma Gilbert tallied four points as well, with three goals and one assist to her name.
- Erin Kim added a goal along with two assists, while Niki Piovan contributed with two goals of her own.
- Orli Cooper shone in goal with 11 saves, including six stops in the opening quarter.
Looking Ahead
The Harvard women’s water polo team will take a break next weekend before welcoming Saint Francis, Bucknell, and Michigan for their first CWPA weekend of the season on February 22.
