Harvard women’s water polo won its second consecutive Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) Championship, defeating Princeton 8–7 in a sudden-victory match on Apr. 12.
The win gives Harvard back-to-back conference titles for the first time in program history and sends the team to its second straight NCAA Tournament appearance. The victory came after four consecutive overtime wins by the Crimson during the CWPA playoffs.
Ella Schneider scored the decisive goal in the fourth period of sudden victory, breaking a scoreless stretch of more than 17 minutes. “Ella Schneider scored the biggest goal of the season – and perhaps in program history – beating the Tigers’ netminder in the fourth period of sudden victory to send Harvard to its second consecutive NCAA Tournament,” according to a statement from Harvard Athletics.
Sophomore goaltender Orli Cooper was named Tournament MVP after making 18 saves, with twelve coming in clutch moments during or after regulation play. “Orli Cooper was named Tournament MVP after the sophomore goaltender made 18 saves to backstop the Crimson to the 2026 title. Twelve of her 18 saves came in the fourth quarter or later,” said Harvard Athletics.
Ted Minnis received Coach of the Tournament honors for a second year running. The All-Tournament Team is expected to be announced by CWPA tomorrow.
Maya O’Dea led Harvard offensively with three goals, while Heidi Heffelfinger added two goals and two assists. Additional contributions included one goal each from Schneider, Petra Klemm, and Niki Piovan; Sofia Del Villar recorded one steal.
The Crimson will await their seeding at tomorrow’s NCAA selection show scheduled for 8:00 p.m. on NCAA.com.
