CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – The Harvard women's rugby team (2-0) earned a hard-fought 26-17 victory over perennial power Lindenwood on Mignone Field on Saturday afternoon. The matchup marked the first-ever meeting between the two programs in 15s play, and the Crimson rose to the occasion with a balanced attack and stout defense.

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Harvard wasted no time getting on the board. First-year Sana'a Lunon, continuing her breakout start to the season, finished a run down the sideline to secure her fourth try of the year. The score put Harvard ahead early, though Lindenwood responded quickly with a converted try to take a 7-5 advantage inside the first 10 minutes.

The Crimson struck again midway through the half. Off a clean pass from senior Victoria Stanley, Lunon powered through a tackle and touched down for her second try of the afternoon and fifth of the season. The rookie's pace and finishing ability have been a spark for Harvard's offense through the first two matches.

Momentum stayed with the Crimson as their defense began to settle in. Lindenwood threatened deep in Harvard territory on multiple occasions, but the Crimson forwards held strong and denied several scoring chances. The effort was rewarded just before halftime, when Courtney Taylor muscled her way across the try line through a wall of defenders. Senior Skylar Jordan slotted the conversion, giving Harvard a 19-7 lead at the break.

Lindenwood came out of halftime with urgency and mounted pressure near the goal line. Despite a strong defensive stand, the Lions eventually forced their way over for a try, though the missed conversion left Harvard ahead 19-12.
Harvard responded with composure midway through the second half. Senior captain Tiahna Padilla orchestrated the attack, finding Lennox London, who shrugged off a tackle and surged into the try zone. Jordan's second conversion of the match extended the Crimson's lead to 26-12 with just over 15 minutes to play.

Lindenwood added a late try to close the gap, but Harvard's defense once again locked down in the final minutes to preserve the 26-17 victory.

With the win, the Crimson improve to 2-0 on the young season and notch an early signature win over one of the sport's premier programs.

Up Next

Harvard returns to Mignone Field next weekend, hosting Brown on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 2:00 p.m. ET as part of Alumni, Family, and Friends Weekend.