CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – In a thrilling back and forth contest, No. 7 Harvard field hockey fell just short against No. 19 UAlbany, as the Great Danes won the match in overtime, 3-2.
Over the first 60 minutes of the contest, two Crimson orchestrated stellar goals, as junior forward
Kate Oliver and sophomore midfielder
Lara Beekhuis put their names on the scoresheet in regulation. Junior goalkeeper
Tessa Shahbo produced an excellent display, tying her career-high in saves with eight.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The contest opened with Harvard (2-1, 0-0 Ivy League) spending time in its defensive end, as UAlbany (4-1, 0-0 America East) controlled possession in the opening moments of the match. Shahbo stalled the Great Danes attack in the first 15 minutes, recording two saves to keep the contest scoreless, 0-0.
In the second quarter, the Crimson defense continued to excel, denying three UAlbany penalty corners. As she did in the first period, Shahbo orchestrated several acrobatic saves between the posts, logging an additional two saves. The Crimson attack found a rhythm midway through the second quarter, controlling possession as the first half came to a close.
Both offenses produced goals in the third quarter. The Crimson took the initial lead six minutes into the second half. Oliver controlled the ball and evaded multiple UAlbany defenders, as she fired off a long range effort that found the back of the net, 1-0. Moments later, UAlbany responded, leveling the score on a penalty corner, 1-1.
Excellent effort and hustle provided Harvard the lead midway through the fourth quarter. Just past the halfway line, Beekhuis gained possession, as she dribbled past multiple and slotted a shot past the UAlbany keeper, 2-1. Late in the contest, UAlbany equalized, sending the match to overtime, 2-2.
At the end of regulation, the Crimson posted seven shots, six of them on goal. Shahbo finished the first 60 minutes with eight saves, tying her collegiate career high. Â
Six minutes into the overtime period, UAlbany netted the game winner, converting its third penalty corner of the contest.
HARVARD HIGHLIGHTS:
- With the goal in the fourth quarter, Beekhuis has 12 goals in 23 appearances in her collegiate career. She is tied with first-year forward Emily Bronckers for the team lead in goals this season with two.
- Oliver's goal in the third quarter was her first since Oct. 14, 2023, where she netted two goals in a 4-0 win against Princeton on the road.
- Shahbo tied her career-high in saves with eight.
UP NEXT:
The Crimson keep the action going on Sunday, Sept. 15, as No. 16 UConn travels to Berylson Field. The match is slated for a 1 p.m. start and will stream live on ESPN+.
For all the latest on Harvard Field Hockey, follow the Crimson on Twitter (@HarvardFH) and Instagram (@harvardfieldhockey).
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