DEDHAM, Mass. – For the first time since 1976, the Crimson is 6-0 to start a season, as No. 5 Harvard field hockey blanks Northeastern, 2-0, on the road to match the best start to a season in program history.

Strong defensive play from both sides defined the majority of the first half, as Harvard took the lead thanks to a strike from junior midfielder Lara Beekhuis with just a minute remaining in the first half. A goal off a penalty corner from senior defender Bronte-May Brough put the match out of reach in the third quarter.

First-year goalkeeper Linde Burger continues to impress in the early stages of her collegiate career, as the Heerhugowaard, Netherlands native played a key role in the Crimson's third-straight shutout with four saves.

HOW IT HAPPENED:
The first quarter saw Harvard (6-0, 1-0 Ivy League) pin Northeastern (4-3, 0-0 Coastal Athletic) back in its own half with constant pressure and possession. Across the initial 15 minutes, Harvard produced four shots and three penalty corner chances, as the Northeastern defense stood tall to preserve the 0-0 scoreline heading into the second frame.

The hosts started the second quarter on the front foot, creating an opportunity that Burger turned away for her first save of the clash against the Huskies. The Crimson regained the momentum, earning a penalty corner with 11 minutes left in the first half. The Huskies stalled the Crimson penalty corner again to keep the score level.

Harvard broke through with just a minute left in the second quarter. Tight and controlled passing allowed Harvard to enter the circle, as Beekhuis picked up a loose ball and knocked in the game-winning goal.

With under five minutes left in the third quarter, Harvard doubled the lead. A run into the circle from first-year forward Lucy Barker caused trouble for the hosts, as Northeastern conceded a penalty corner. Harvard put up its second goal of the afternoon on the corner, as Brough buried a shot past the Huskies' keeper for her first goal of the year.

The fourth quarter saw the Crimson put the game to rest with an organized defensive set up, as the Crimson only allowed two shots in the fourth quarter.

Harvard improves to 6-0 on the 2025 season with 16 shots against Northeastern, 10 of them on target. Harvard has logged double-digit shots in every game so far this year. One of the best defensive sides in the nation, Harvard has not allowed a goal in the last 217 minutes and 40 seconds of action, as Burger has posted three consecutive shutouts.

HARVARD HIGHLIGHTS:

• Harvard matches the best start to a season in program history with the 2-0 win against Northeastern, going 6-0 for the first time since 1976.
• The Crimson post three straight shutouts for the first time since the 2023 season.
• Harvard has not allowed a goal in the last 217 minutes and 40 seconds of action.
• Brough nets her first goal of the 2025 campaign.
• Harvard extends its winning streak against unranked opponents to 89 matches.
• The Crimson have won five-straight matches against Northeastern.

UP NEXT:

Harvard returns to conference action next weekend, renewing its storied rivalry against Princeton in the Garden State on Friday, Sept. 26. The meeting between the Crimson and Tigers is scheduled for 5 p.m. and will air live on ESPN+.

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