BOSTON, Mass. – Sophomore forward Angelica Megdanis scored her first career goal in the third period against No. 14 Boston University in the semifinals of the 2025 Dunkin' Women's Beanpot, as Harvard women's ice hockey fell just short against the Terriers in overtime, 2-1.

In her first start between the posts in a Beanpot contest, first-year Ainsley Tuffy rose to the occasion, stopping 39 shots against Boston University. A native of Duxbury, Massachusetts, Tuffy has recorded 30 or more saves in five contests this season.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The semifinal clash between the Crimson and the Terriers opened with strong defensive play from Harvard (2-13-2, 1-10-1 ECAC) in the initial five minutes. Boston University (14-6-1, 11-3-1 Hockey East) earned a power play at the 17:56 mark in the first period, as the Crimson kept the score even with three saves. In her first career Beanpot start, Tuffy stopped eight shots in the first period at Matthews Arena.

With the clock winding down in the first period, the Crimson gained an advantage on the power play, firing off an additional two shots on goal in the final two minutes. The first period ended scoreless as Harvard recorded four shots on goal. Anchored by senior defender Jenna MacDonald, the Crimson defense blocked six shots.

Tuffy continued to shine between the posts in the second period. With four minutes down in the frame, the Terriers produced a two-on-one situation, as Tuffy orchestrated a key stop to keep the contest even at zero. A native of Duxbury, Massachusetts, Tuffy logged an additional 12 saves in the second period.

Boston University recorded the lone power play opportunity of the second period with less than five minutes to go. Once again, the Crimson defense stood strong, stalling the Terrier power play with stout and physical play in the defensive zone. In the last seconds of the period, Boston University manufactured a chance right in front of goal, as Tuffy deflected the shot away to keep the scoreline at 0-0.

The second period closed with the Crimson taking one shot on goal, blocking another eight shots in the frame as well.

Harvard started the third period on the front foot, taking the lead just two minutes into the final frame of action at Matthews Arena. Senior forward Gabi Davidson Adams fought off a Boston University defender and collected the puck along the boards, finding Megdanis in front of goal for the initial score. A sophomore forward from New Canaan, Connecticut, the goal is the first of Megdanis' collegiate career.

Moments later, the Crimson came close to doubling its advantage. Pinpoint passing from Harvard near the attacking blue line created a chance at goal for first-year center Ella Lucia, as Boston University goalkeeper Callie Shanahan made a pivotal save.

A goal from Boston University's Sydney Healey evened the score at one each late in the third period, as a Crimson contest went into overtime for the fourth-straight time.

With 1:17 left on the clock in the first overtime, Boston University netted the game-winning goal. The Crimson finished the semifinal with 10 shots on goal, as Tuffy ended the afternoon with 39 saves.

HARVARD HIGHLIGHTS

• Tuffy is the first first-year to start a Beanpot contest between the posts for the Crimson since 2019, when Lindsay Reed '23 did so against Boston University.
• For the fifth time this season, Tuffy stopped 30 or more shots in a contest.
• Megdanis' goal at the 18:18 minute mark in the third period was the first goal of her collegiate career.
• The Crimson recorded 20 blocks compared to Boston University's five.

NEXT UP

The Crimson return to ECAC action this weekend, welcoming RPI and Union to the Bright-Landry Hockey Center on Friday, Jan. 17 and Saturday, Jan. 18. Both contests will air live on ESPN+.

The 2025 Dunkin' Women's Beanpot resumes on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at TD Garden, as Harvard fans can purchase tickets to the Crimson's contest at https://gocrimson.com/WIH-Beanpot-TD.