POTSDAM, N.Y. – The Harvard women's ice hockey team showed its fight this afternoon when it squared off with the nationally ranked Clarkson Golden Knights at Cheel Arena. The Crimson (2-3-0, 0-3-0 ECAC) rallied in the final period, but the Golden Knights (6-3-0, 3-0-0 ECAC) were able to hold off the comeback bid despite numerous Harvard chances in the closing minutes to escape with a 2-1 victory. Ainsley Tuffy put forth a spectacular effort between the pipes, making 41 saves and allowing just two goals to the No. 9 team in the nation. Antonina Dinges potted her first goal of the 2025-26 season to provide the spark in the offensive zone.
 

How it Happened

 
It took a while for both teams to settle into the contest as the first five minutes resulted in just two shots on goal. Play was concentrated in the neutral zone in the early as neither team could find an edge. Clarkson broke through to score the first goal of the game midway through the first period on the powerplay. Tuffy cleaned up the other 16 shots she faced in the period to send Harvard into first intermission trailing by just a goal.
 
After Clarkson potted its second goal to begin the second period, Tuffy stepped up to save the next 24 shots she faced, holding off the high-powered Golden Knights offense to give her team a chance to get back into the game. Harvard logged seven shots on net in the second period – two being high-danger scoring chances – but the Clarkson defense was up to the task, holding on to its two goal lead heading into the final period.
 
The Crimson got the spark it was looking for early in the third period when Antonina Dinges went to work on the doorstep. The sophomore fought to free up the puck just outside the crease before shoving a shot into the back of the net to cut the Clarkson lead in half. Her first goal of the season gave Harvard life. Harvard logged three more chances down the stretch but its comeback bid was cut short as Clarkson clung on to the lead to take a 2-1 win over the Crimson.
 

Harvard Highlights

• Antonina Dinges scored her first goal of 2025-26.
• Ella Lucia logged her team leading third assist.
• Ainsley Tuffy made 41 saves between the pipes.
• Bella Finnegan led the team with three blocked shots.
• Keira Ley and Elle Sproule each put two shots on goal.

 

Game Notes

• Ainsley Tuffy recorded 40 or more saves for the fifth time in her career.

 

Up Next

Harvard will be back on the ice tomorrow afternoon to battle the St. Lawrence Saints in Appleton Arena. Game time is set for 3:00 PM with all the action streaming live on ESPN+.