EVANSTON, Ill. – A late comeback attempt from No. 9 Harvard field hockey fell just short, as the Crimson lost its second match of the 2024 season at No. 2 Northwestern on Sunday afternoon, 3-2.

Sophomores Sage Piekarski and Lara Beekhuis recorded goals for the Crimson against the Wildcats, as Piekarski ends the weekend with four goals in two matches after recording a hat trick against Columbia on Friday, Oct. 11. Beekhuis leads Harvard in goals (8) and points (17) this season. For the 10^th straight match, the Crimson scored multiple goals.

Junior goalkeeper Tessa Shahbo recorded eight saves at Lakeside Field, tying her career-high for the third time this season.

HOW IT HAPPENED:
Both attacks wasted no time getting started in the first quarter, as both teams traded goals in the first three minutes of the contest. Northwestern (13-0, 5-0 Big Ten) opened the scoring on a close-range effort. Just a minute later, the Crimson leveled the score. A long diagonal pass from junior forward Kate Oliver sparked a counterattack, as Piekarski slotted a one-on-one chance into the net to draw Harvard (10-2, 4-0 Ivy League) even against the Wildcats, 1-1.

HARVARD EQUALIZES 

Piekarski nets her fourth goal of the weekend to draw the Crimson level at Northwestern!

1st | HARV 1 - NU 1

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— Harvard Field Hockey (@HarvardFH) October 13, 2024
 

In the closing moments of the first quarter, the Crimson defense stonewalled the hosts, keeping the scoreline even after shutting down five penalty corner opportunities for Northwestern in the last five minutes of the frame. Harvard's attacked recorded two shots in the first quarter.

Northwestern pulled ahead late in the first half, making it a 2-1 scoreline heading into the break. The Crimson offense recorded three shots in the first half, as Shahbo stopped five shots in the opening 30 minutes.

With 2:30 left in the third quarter, Northwestern doubled its lead, scoring on high shot at the top of the circle.

The Crimson produced several scoring chances in the fourth quarter. On its first corner of the second half, junior defender Bronte-May Brough fired a shot that deflected just wide off the right post. Just moments later, Harvard pulled within one, as Beekhuis scored in front of goal, 3-2. Despite a late offensive charge from the Crimson, Northwestern held on for the win.

Beekhuis and Piekarski each scored in both matches this weekend, as the Crimson recorded eight shots and five attempts on target against Northwestern. Shahbo stopped eight shots in Evanston, tying her career-high for the third time this season.

Beekhuis pulls the Crimson within one in the fourth quarter!

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??https://t.co/4JdKZevDvp#GoCrimson pic.twitter.com/9hcRDXy4TB
— Harvard Field Hockey (@HarvardFH) October 13, 2024
 

HARVARD HIGHLIGHTS:

• Harvard scored multiple goals in a match for the 10^th straight time this season.
• The Crimson were out shot for just the second time this season.
• A native of Concord, Massachusetts, Piekarski scored four goals in two matches this weekend.
• Beekhuis leads the Crimson in goals (8) and points (17) this season.
• Shahbo logged eight saves against the Wildcats, tying her single-game career high for the third time this season.
• Harvard is now 2-2 against ranked opponents this season.

UP NEXT:

Harvard returns to Cambridge on Saturday, Oct. 19, as the Crimson renew a thrilling rivalry against Princeton. During the match, the Crimson will celebrate the program's 50^th anniversary. First touch is slated for noon and the contest will stream live on ESPN+.

For all the latest on Harvard Field Hockey, follow the Crimson on Twitter (@HarvardFH)and Instagram (@harvardfieldhockey).