WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – An impressive defensive display from No. 8 Harvard field hockey lifted the Crimson to a 1-0 victory against No. 18 Wake Forest, marking the Crimson's first win against a ranked opponent during the 2024 campaign.
After a scoreless first half, the Crimson took the lead midway through the third period, as senior midfielder and team captain
Emily Guckian scored the match-winning goal on a penalty stroke.
Harvard's defense posted its second straight shutout to start the 2024 season, as junior goalkeeper
Tessa Shahbo kept the Crimson in front with three saves.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Crimson (2-0, 0-0 Ivy League) started the match strong in the first period, maintaining possession in the attacking half for the majority of the first 15 minutes of action. In the closing moments of the first, Harvard almost pulled ahead, as senior forward
Lucy Leel forced a save from Wake Forest's (0-3, 0-0 Atlantic Coast) goalkeeper. Harvard produced three shots and earned three penalty corner opportunities.
The second period saw Harvard applying more pressure, firing off an additional two shots in the quarter. Both defenses were stellar for the remainder of the first half, as the teams headed into the halftime break level at zero.
With 8:34 remaining in the third period, Harvard broke through, as Guckian converted a penalty stroke for the opening goal of the match, 1-0. A native of Weybridge, England, Guckian now has 13 goals and 55 points in her 58 career appearances. Harvard owned the third period, out shooting Wake Forest, 5-1.
The Crimson defense secured the victory in the fourth period, as Shahbo shined in the final period of action, keeping the Crimson in front with two saves in the last 15 minutes.
With the win, Harvard starts a season 2-0 for the second straight year, as the Crimson earned the first win against Wake Forest in program history.
HARVARD HIGHLIGHTS:
- With her goal in the third quarter, Guckian now has 13 goals and 55 points in her Crimson career.
- Shahbo saved three shots against Wake Forest, as the Surrey, England native now has seven shutouts in her collegiate career.
- Harvard owns a +7-goal differential over the first two matches of the season.
- The Crimson begin a season 2-0 for second consecutive year.
- The win against Wake Forest marks the Crimson's first victory against a ranked opponent this season.
UP NEXT:
The Crimson return to campus next weekend, as Harvard faces off against UAlbany on Friday, Sept. 13 at 4 p.m. on Berylson Field in the home opener. On Sunday, Sept. 15, Harvard wraps up the weekend with a match against BIG EAST foe UConn at 1 p.m. Admission to both contests are free of charge and all the action will stream live on ESPN+.
For all the latest on Harvard Field Hockey, follow the Crimson on Twitter (@HarvardFH) and Instagram (@harvardfieldhockey).
