ITHACA, N.Y. – Last second heroics on the defensive end made the difference for the Crimson on the road, as No. 4 Harvard field hockey remains undefeated on the 2025 season with a 2-1 victory against Cornell in the Empire State.

Goals from sophomore forward Martha le Huray and senior defender Bronte-May Brough put the Crimson up 2-0 heading into the fourth quarter, as the Crimson stalled a Cornell comeback attempt that saw the Big Red take six penalty corners in the last minute of regulation.

HOW IT HAPPENED:
Both Harvard (11-0, 4-0 Ivy League) and Cornell (8-2, 2-2) showcased their defensive excellence in the first quarter, as neither side recorded a shot in the opening 14 minutes of play from Dodson Field. Across the latter half of the first quarter, Harvard's high press pinned Cornell back in its own half, allowing the Crimson to start building long periods of possession.

With just 1:04 on the clock in the first frame, Harvard generated the first corner opportunity of the afternoon. With le Huray on the insert, Brough had her shot deflected away, as le Huray collected the rebound and smashed the ball into the cage to put the Crimson ahead at the end of the first quarter, 1-0.

The 2024 Ivy League Tournament's Most Outstanding Player, le Huray is the Crimson's leader in points this season with 19, a new career high.

Propelled by strong play in the midfield from senior midfielder and team captain Kitty Chapple and the Crimson backline, Harvard continued to disrupt Cornell's attack in the second quarter. With the first 30 minutes in the books, Harvard took a 1-0 lead into the halftime break.

Harvard started the second half the same way they played the first half with stellar defensive play. The Crimson earned a series of penalty corner chances to end the third quarter, capitalizing on the second to double the lead. Brough was the focal point of the corner strategy, as she launched the shot into the cage for her fifth goal of the season.

The fourth quarter saw the hosts start the final frame on the front foot, as the Big Red cut Harvard's lead to 2-1 with a goal off a corner. From there, the Crimson regained the momentum, finding a way to control possession and create offensive chances.

Cornell orchestrated one final push in the last two minutes of the fourth quarter, as the hosts earned six penalty corners in the last minute of the thrilling showdown. Harvard's runners and first year goalkeeper Linde Burger produced a heroic performance in that final minute, turning all six Cornell penalty corners away to secure the 2-1 win on the road in Ithaca. Harvard's offense recorded 14 shots, nine of them on goal against the Big Red.

HARVARD HIGHLIGHTS:

• Harvard is 11-0 this season, marking the best start to a campaign in program history. The Crimson is only one of two undefeated teams in the nation.
• The Crimson has now won 92 straight games against unranked opponents.
• Harvard has won 11 straight contests on the road.
• le Huray is enjoying a breakout season offensively, leading the Crimson in points (19) and is tied for the team lead in goals scored (8).

UP NEXT:

The Crimson return to Berylson Field next weekend, as Harvard hosts Brown on Friday, Oct. 17. The contest will start at 6 p.m. and all the action will air live on ESPN+.

For all the latest on Harvard Field Hockey, follow the Crimson on Twitter (@HarvardFH) and Instagram (@harvardfieldhockey).