PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Crimson dominated in its first-round matchup of the CWPA playoffs, defeating Mercyhurst by a score of 20-5

Setting up a potential semifinal meeting with Michigan on Saturday afternoon, the Crimson tied a program record for most wins in program history with its 24th victory of the season.
The Crimson jumped out to a 6–0 lead in the first quarter and never looked back, with goals from Maya O'Dea, Emma Gilbert, Niki Piovan, and Heidi Heffelfinger setting the tone early.

Mercyhurst pushed back in the second quarter to cut the lead to 7–3, but Harvard stormed back with the next three goals to lead 10–3 heading into halftime.

The Crimson held the Lakers at bay in the third quarter, keeping them scoreless, while Harvard added another five goals. In the second half, the Crimson would go on to score five goals in each quarter and reach 20 goals for the third time this season against the Lakers.

HARVARD HIGHLIGHTS

• Lucy Berkman and Ella Schneider both finished with two points, with a goal and an assist each. 
• Heidi Heffelfinger and Kaity Greenwald added four goals apiece.
• Serafina Cortez tallied three points with two goals and an assist.
• Dany Zapata also contributed three points with two goals and a helper. 
• Emma Gilbert scored twice.
• Lily Britt and Niki Piovan each finished with three points.
• Every Crimson player recorded at least one point, and 12 different players had at least two.
• 12 different Crimson players also scored in the commanding victory.
• Sutchie Ofori-Nyako made two saves in goal.

NEXT UP
Harvard will play tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. against the winner of Michigan and Saint Francis, with a spot in the finals on the line. 

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Your Crimson ties the program record for most wins in a single season. #GoCrimson | #OneCrimson pic.twitter.com/Izd578m2a1

— Harvard Water Polo (@HarvardH2OPolo) April 25, 2025