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The No. 5 Harvard field hockey (4-0) team continued its win streak in dramatic fashion this weekend against two highly competitive opponents. On Friday night, the Crimson defended Berylson Field against the then-No. 12 Ohio State Buckeyes (3-3) with a final score of 2-1 in double overtime.

On Sunday, the Crimson made the trip to Storrs, Conn., to take on the then-No. 16 Huskies. Harvard extended its winning streak, blanking UConn with a 2-0 score. This Friday, the Crimson will look to continue its momentum against Dartmouth in its first Ivy League contest of the season.

Harvard 2, Ohio State 1 (2 OT)

After competing in two overtime games in its season-opening weekend, the Harvard team continued its reign of dominance in extra time on Friday. The Buckeyes put up a valiant fight, but the Crimson’s poise in the overtime periods secured the win, earning Tjerk van Herwaarden’s 150th victory in only his 13th season as Harvard’s Head Coach.

Sophomore midfielder Martha le Huray, the Ivy League Offensive Player of the Week, struck first in favor of Harvard. The Brit flipped the ball expertly above Ohio State’s goalkeeper and into the back of the net with two minutes left in the first quarter.

During the opening quarter, the Crimson, fueled by its fans that lined the field, outshot the Buckeyes and also drew the visiting team to tally nine fouls in just the first fifteen minutes.

The Ohio State team was able to get a shot on net in the second quarter, but Harvard’s freshman goalkeeper Linde Burger deftly blocked it.

The Crimson had two stellar scoring opportunities of its own in the second quarter. Senior Kate Oliver fired off a great shot on net, and then a few minutes later, le Huray made another attempt. The Buckeyes’ sophomore goalkeeper, Maddie Stevens, made two big saves to prevent the Crimson from extending the lead.

After the halftime break, Ohio State went on the offensive. Harvard’s defense, composed of senior Bronte-May Brough, senior Marie Schaefers, junior Smilla Klas, and freshman Brooke Chandler, stood firm against the Buckeyes’ initial attack.

However, nine minutes into the half, Ohio State was able to capitalize on a penalty corner opportunity. With the goal, the Buckeyes evened the score, locking the game into an intense defensive battle.

Neither team was able to gain an edge in the fourth quarter. Both teams played aggressively on defense, forcing ball-carriers to make turnovers in the midfield. Once a turnover was made, each side struggled to find open players to pass it to upfield, as the defenses locked down the midfield coverage.

For Harvard’s third straight game, the whistle blew signaling the end of regulation play, and the clock extended into overtime.

The Crimson’s extensive experience in overtime play was quickly apparent. Harvard controlled possession of the ball and set a rapid pace in the extra quarter. The Crimson had a few fantastic penalty corner plays, spurred from a rapid drive towards net by junior Lara Beekhuis, but the home team was unable to get the golden goal in the first overtime.

As the scoreboard continued to dwindle down, nearing the possibility of a shootout, Harvard ramped up the intensity. Captain Fiene Oerlemans flung a shot on net. It was saved by Stevens, but Harvard’s defense quickly forced another turnover. Beekhuis sent a shot of her own towards the goal, and though Stevens saved it, she let up a rebound. Le Huray, hungry for a second goal, was positioned perfectly to tap the rebound home, nabbing the win for her team.

Harvard 2, UConn 0

After the exhausting long game against Ohio State, the Harvard team only had a day to recover before making a roadtrip to Storrs, Conn., to face off against the University of Connecticut. Much like the Crimson, the Huskies kicked off their season against tough competition, facing off against fierce teams like No. 15 St. Joseph’s. UConn fell to the Hawks in a tight 2-1 shootout, but proved that it could compete with the top programs in the country.

That being said, the Huskies were no match for the Crimson, who shutout the home team and now boasts a record of 4-0 for the first time since 2021.

A mere minute after the opening whistle, Beekhuis scored her first goal of the season. The Harvard bench cheered loudly and its offensive momentum carried through the rest of the contest.

The Crimson outshot the Huskies 10-7, and prevented all but four of UConn’s shots from reaching its freshman goalkeeper, Burger, in net. With the win and her four saves, Burger secured her first shutout of her collegiate career.

Although the Huskies earned a penalty corner towards the end of the first half of play, Harvard’s defense stood firm yet again, blanking the hosts.

In the third quarter, the Crimson dominated offensively, grating the nerves of the Huskies fans as they attempted three straight penalty corners. Brough sent two quick shots firing onto the UConn net and then Beekhuis added one of her own, however the Huskies were able to hold their defensive position and defend the net.

It was not until the final few minutes that Harvard nabbed its second goal. Junior forward Sage Piekarski set up le Huray with a perfect ball in front of the net. Le Huray wrapped up her incredible offensive weekend with the final goal, securing the title of Ivy League Offensive Player of the Week. The final scoreboard read 2-0 in favor of the Crimson, who, for the third straight year, defeated the Huskies.

Due to the weekend sweep, Harvard’s national ranking was boosted to No. 5. The number undoubtedly puts a bigger target on the Crimson’s back, but also shows how successful the program has become under van Herwaarden. Harvard has shown that it can play under pressure, and will look to continue its success as its season progresses.

Now, the Crimson shifts its sights toward its first intra-league opponent, Dartmouth. This year, the Ivy League boasts three top-20 teams, including the Crimson, No. 9 Princeton, and No. 18 Yale.

Harvard will strive to defeat Dartmouth on Friday and take the first steps toward a successful Ivy League campaign. Crimson fans can tune in to ESPN+ or head over to Berylson Field at 4:00 pm EST on Friday to watch Harvard face off against the Big Green.

– Staff writer Isabel C. Smail can be reached at isabel.smail@thecrimson.com.