The Bryant University women’s lacrosse team is set to host No. 25 Harvard at Beirne Stadium in Smithfield, Rhode Island, on Wednesday, February 18. The match will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will be available for viewing on ESPN+.
This meeting marks the fourth all-time matchup between the two programs and the first time Bryant will host Harvard. Previously, all three games have taken place at Harvard since the series began in 2010. The Bulldogs have yet to secure a win against the Crimson, with their most recent contest resulting in a 23-12 victory for Harvard last season. In that game, Gabriella Constant led Bryant’s offense with five points.
Bryant comes into this matchup after falling to Dartmouth last Saturday by a score of 19-6. Elise Larsen and Riley O’Mara each scored twice for the Bulldogs, while Emma Wymes added her second goal of the season and Eli Torbay recorded her first career goal as time expired. On defense, Kaelynn O’Brien caused five turnovers and collected five ground balls. Jessica Wilhelm contributed six ground balls and two caused turnovers.
Nationally, Bryant ranks second in scoring defense, allowing an average of 2.5 goals per game, behind only UMBC among America East teams. The Bulldogs also rank third in NCAA draw control percentage and lead their conference in that category. They are second in America East for assists per game and save percentage.
Elise Larsen currently stands second in the America East for assists per game and is among the top 50 nationally.
Harvard enters Wednesday’s contest after opening its season with a 10-7 loss to No. 16 Notre Dame on February 15. The Crimson had built a six-goal lead before Notre Dame rallied late in the game to take control. Charlotte Hodgson led Harvard’s offense with four points while Grace Mullahy scored three goals.
Last year, Harvard finished with a 9-6 overall record but did not qualify for Ivy League postseason play after posting a conference mark of 3-4. In this year’s Ivy League Preseason Poll, Harvard was selected fifth out of eight teams; Princeton was picked as preseason favorite.
Devon Willis serves as head coach for Harvard women’s lacrosse and is now in her fifth season leading the program.
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