Box Score ALBANY, N.Y. – Junior Hannah Pearce scored 3:29 into overtime to lift No. 6 Harvard field hockey to a 2-1 win over No. 22 UAlbany in the season opener for the Crimson.
The deciding goal capped a late-game rally for the Crimson, which trailed 1-0 at the halfway point after a goal from UAlbany's Lillian Hickey at 27:38.
But midway through the fourth quarter on a penalty corner, sophomore Rachel Greenwood redirected a shot from Bente van Vlijmen into the lower left part of the cage with 8:19 to go in regulation to tie the game at 1-1.
Then on Harvard's first penalty corner chance of overtime, Pearce won it with a well-placed shot from straightaway, sending the Crimson bench onto the field for a celebration.
Sophomore goalkeeper Ellie Shahbo made a save in net, with Harvard outshooting UAlbany 17-5 on the day, with 12 shots on goal. The Crimson held a 7-3 margin on penalty corners.
Harvard Highlights
- Senior captain Bente van Vlijmen led the Crimson with seven shots, including five shots on goal.
- Pearce's OT goal was the first game-winning goal of her career.
- Sophomore goalkeeper Ellie Shahbo has won 12 of her 14 career starts.
Game Notes
- Harvard has won four straight season opening contests.
- Harvard and UAlbany met for the first time in field hockey this afternoon.
What's Next?
Harvard heads to No. 4 UConn on Sunday for a 1 p.m. contest.
