SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Harvard women's ice hockey defeated Union on the road this afternoon to close out the regular season. The Crimson (14-13-7, 8-11-3 ECAC) defeated the Garnet Chargers (10-20-3, 3-18-1 ECAC), 2–1 behind a great effort from Ainsley Tuffy, Morgan McGathey, and Antonina Dinges. With the win, Harvard secured three points in the ECAC standings, moving into eighth place and clinching a home first-round playoff game.
 
How it Happened
The Crimson and the Garnet Chargers met on the ice this afternoon to close out the ECAC regular season in the newly opened M&T Bank Center. Locked in a heated standings race, the Crimson was aiming to capture a win to improve its place in the ECAC table. 

Union came out firing, recording five shots in the first 2:30 of play. Harvard responded with pressure of its own, but it was Union that struck first. Just over six minutes into the opening period, the Garnet Chargers capitalized on a cross-ice pass, as Klara Kenttala finished glove side to give Union a 1-0 lead. The goal was assisted by Kaitlyn Toner and Stephanie Bourque.

The Crimson regained momentum as the period progressed, generating quality looks in front of the net. With 5:23 remaining in the frame, Harvard held a 16-13 edge in shots. After relentless offensive pressure on Union's goaltender, Harvard finally broke through. Emily Hamann redirected a shot home late in the period to even the score at 1-1. The goal was assisted by Alex Paulsen and Dinges. Harvard also controlled the faceoff circle in the opening frame, winning 10 draws to Union's six, while Tuffy made eight saves to keep the score 1-1 going into the first intermission.

Harvard wasted little time taking the lead in the second period. Just 45 seconds into the frame, Morgan McGathey capitalized on a turnover and buried an unassisted goal to put the Crimson ahead 2-1.
Union pushed back with strong offensive pressure throughout the period, outshooting Harvard 13-8 in the second. The Garnet Chargers earned the game's first power play opportunity, but the Crimson penalty kill stood tall. Harvard later went on its first power play of the afternoon but was unable to convert. Tuffy remained steady between the pipes, turning aside 13 shots in the period to preserve the 2-1 advantage heading into the final frame.

Union continued its push, including a late power play opportunity with 9:26 remaining. Harvard's defense held firm. With just under four minutes to play, Union pulled its goaltender in an effort to equalize. Bella Finnegan appeared to seal the game with a neutral-zone empty-net strike, but the play was ruled offsides. Despite the late surge and extra attacker, the Crimson defense stayed composed to close out the 2-1 victory.

Harvard Highlights

• Emily Hamann scored her sixth goal of the season.
• Alex Paulsen and Antonia Dinges each recorded assists on the goal.
• Morgan McGathey's go-ahead goal marked her 10th of the season.
• McGathey now leads the team with 15 points.
• Ainsley Tuffy recorded 33 saves in net.
• Harvard blocked 11 shots, with Kate Kasica and Keira Ley tallying two apiece.
• The Crimson registered 61 total shot attempts, including 27 shots on goal.
• Harvard went 2-for-2 on the penalty kill.

Up Next 
With the result and a loss by St. Lawrence today, the Crimson will now host a home game in the Opening Round of the 2026 ECAC Women's Hockey Tournament. Harvard secured the No. 8 seed in the tournament and will host the No. 9 seeded Saints at the Bright-Landry Hockey Center this weekend. The date and time of the game are still being confirmed and will be announced on social media and GoCrimson.com soon.