PRINCETON, N.J. – No. 11 Harvard field hockey wrote another amazing chapter in the program's history, as the Crimson lift the Ivy League Tournament trophy for a second consecutive season, defeating Princeton away from home in an overtime thriller, 2-1.
After three scoreless quarters, Harvard grabbed the initial lead, as junior midfielder
Kitty Chapple redirected a shot off a corner. After Princeton equalized, the Crimson won the Ivy League Tournament title in overtime, as first-year forward
Martha le Huray scored a fantastic goal to secure the historic win for Harvard.
le Huray earned Ivy League Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors, as the Crimson punched its ticket to the 2024 NCAA Tournament with the win.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
From the opening whistle, the Crimson's defense around the circle excelled, limiting attacking opportunities for the hosts. Harvard (15-3, 6-1 Ivy League) produced the first chance of the afternoon. Sophomore forward
Sage Piekarski fired a shot right in front of goal, as the Tigers made a stick save to keep the match scoreless.
In the final seconds of the opening quarter of the Ivy League Tournament Championship, the Crimson made a vital defensive stand, stalling back-to-back Princeton (13-5, 7-0) penalty corners to keep the scoreline even at zero. The Crimson took one shot in the quarter, holding the hosts to just two shots in the frame.
After neither side found the opening goal in the first half, the match entered the halftime break scoreless, as both defensive units continued to find success. The Crimson produced one shot, while Princeton took a pair in the opening 30 minutes.
Harvard started the second half on the front foot, almost taking the lead in the first five minutes of the third quarter. Sophomore midfielder
Lara Beekhuis received the ball on the byline, danced past a Princeton defender, and fired off a shot that flew just by the right post.
The closing moments of the third quarter saw Harvard orchestrate another stellar defensive performance, as Shahbo stopped two shots in the final five minutes, along with the Crimson successfully defending a Princeton corner.
A thrilling contest in the Garden State ended with a dramatic and sensational fourth quarter. It all began in the first moments of the frame. A Tigers turnover allowed Piekarski easy access to the circle, as the Concord, Massachusetts native was taken down by the Princeton keeper, leading to a Harvard penalty stroke. Senior midfielder and team captain
Emily Guckian stepped to the spot, as her shot was saved by Princeton, keeping the score even.
A critical save from Shahbo kept Harvard in the contest midway through the fourth quarter. With Princeton midfielder Beth Yager dribbling at the top of the circle, the Tigers senior ripped a shot, as Shahbo dove to the right post to make a vital stick save.
With under three minutes to go in regulation, the Crimson opened the scoring at the Ivy League Tournament Championship. On the second Harvard penalty corner of the afternoon, junior defender
Bronte-May Brough launched a shot towards the left post, as Chapple redirected the attempt for her second goal of the year, 1-0. Moments later, Princeton equalized on a corner of its own.
At the end of regulation, the Crimson recorded six shots, five on them on target. For the sixth time this season, a Harvard field hockey contest went into overtime.
After denying Princeton the game-winning goal, Harvard won the 2024 Ivy League Tournament on the counterattack. le Huray fought off multiple defenders in the circle, as she snuck a shot by the near post for the winner.
After entering the contest with just one goal this season, le Huray records the second goal collegiate career, as Shahbo shined with five saves.
HARVARD HIGHLIGHTS:
- For a second straight season, Harvard field hockey is the Ivy League Tournament Champion.
- The Crimson will also qualify for the NCAA Tournament in consecutive seasons, another first for Harvard's field hockey program.
- le Huray and Chapple scored both goals for Harvard. A native of Teddington, England, le Huray is the 2024 Ivy League Tournament Most Outstanding Player.
- le Huray, Brough, Shahbo, and Chapple all earned Ivy League All-Tournament Team honors.
- The Crimson is now 4-0 all-time in the Ivy League Tournament, as all those wins were decided by one goal.
- Harvard is now 4-2 in the last six meetings against Princeton.
UP NEXT:
The 2024 NCAA Field Hockey Tournament Selection Show takes place tonight at 10 p.m. eastern standard time, as Harvard fans can watch the broadcast live on NCAA.com.
For all the latest on Harvard Field Hockey, follow the Crimson on Twitter (@HarvardFH)and Instagram (@harvardfieldhockey).
