Harvard women’s lacrosse lost to Penn, 10-8, after a fourth-quarter comeback effort on April 4 in Philadelphia. The Crimson scored four goals in the final quarter but could not overcome the Quakers’ lead.
The result leaves Harvard with a record of four wins and six losses overall, and one win and three losses in Ivy League play. Penn improves to five wins and five losses overall, remaining undefeated at three wins in Ivy competition.
Grace Mullahy led Harvard’s offense with a hat trick and an assist for four points. Emma Barkauskas made eight saves as goalkeeper. Charlotte Hodgson contributed two goals, an assist, and collected four ground balls. Callie Batchelder and Cecelia Batchelder each added a goal and an assist against the Quakers.
The game started defensively for both teams. After an early penalty against Harvard, Cecelia Batchelder set up Mullahy for the opening goal while shorthanded. Penn responded quickly to tie before Batchelder scored again late in the first quarter to give Harvard a brief lead.
Penn took control in the second quarter with four unanswered goals before Mullahy scored again despite another Crimson penalty. Kate Gilliam followed soon after with another goal for Harvard, narrowing Penn’s halftime lead to 6-4 following a late free position score by the Quakers.
Penn extended its advantage in the third quarter with three more goals before Harvard mounted its comeback attempt behind Hodgson and Mullahy. Despite closing within two goals late, Harvard could not complete its rally.
Hodgson, Hattie Manser, and Despina Giannakopoulos each recorded two caused turnovers on defense for Harvard. The team will next travel for a non-conference matchup against New Hampshire scheduled for Tuesday, April 7 at 4:00 p.m.
