CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – First-year goaltender Ainsley Tuffy made 40 saves in just her second collegiate start to lead a stout Crimson defensive effort, but it was not enough to knock off the Nol. 7 Quinnipiac Bobcats, who escaped Bright-Landry with a 1-0 victory. The Crimson (2-5-0, 1-5-0 ECAC) went toe-to-toe with the nationally ranked Bobcats (10-3-1, 4-1-1 ECAC) but just fell short in a highly competitive contest.
 

How It Happened

 
The Harvard Crimson hosted the No. 7 Quinnipiac Bobcats at the Bright-Landry Hockey Center, looking to add another ranked victory to their 2024-25 resume. First-year goaltender Ainsley Tuffy made her second collegiate start, and the Massachusetts native was sharp early on. She turned away 10 shots in the first eight minutes of play, providing a solid foundation for the Crimson defense. Harvard's penalty kill was also put to the test early in the first period, but Tuffy stood tall, making two key saves, while Jenna MacDonald blocked two shots to help kill off the penalty.
 
The Crimson's best chance came late in the first period when Paige Lester was denied during Harvard's first power play. After weaving through defenders, Lester attempted to tuck a shot inside the post, but the Quinnipiac goaltender was quick to react, denying her attempt. The game remained scoreless as the teams headed into the first intermission.
 
The second period saw continued strong defensive play from both teams. Harvard stymied Quinnipiac's offensive rush with a series of blocked shots and saves from Tuffy, who registered 14 saves in the period to keep the Bobcats off the board. Despite the pressure from Quinnipiac, the Crimson were unable to break through. The score remained 0-0 as the teams skated off the ice for the second intermission.
 
Quinnipiac struck early in the third period, scoring just 49 seconds in to take a 1-0 lead. Despite the setback, Harvard kept pushing. Paige Lester and Gwyn Lapp each had quality chances, but the Bobcat goaltender stood firm, turning both attempts away. Antonina Dinges also tested the Quinnipiac goalie with a pair of shots, but none found the back of the net.
 
Tuffy continued to shine in goal, making another 14 saves after the Quinnipiac goal to keep the Crimson within striking distance. With just over two minutes left in the game, Harvard was granted a power play opportunity, giving them a chance to tie the game. The Crimson fired off three shots during the skater advantage, but once again, the Bobcats' defense and goaltending held strong, keeping Harvard off the board.
 
In the end, Quinnipiac escaped with a 1-0 victory, earning the win in a tight, defense-heavy contest.
 

Harvard Highlights

• Ainsley Tuffy made 40 saves between the pipes to lead the Crimson defensive effort.
• Kaley MacDonald blocked a team-high six shots in the contest.
• Harvard blocked 22 shots a team, the second highest total in a game this season.
• Antonina Dinges led the team with four shots on goal.
• Gwyn Lapp and Ella Lucia each won ten faceoffs.

 

Next Up

Harvard will make the trip to Central New York next weekend to battle Cornell and Colgate. The Crimson will square off with the ECAC foes on Friday and Saturday, respectively with both matchups set to air live on ESPN+.