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Harvard Field Hockey Concludes Opening Weekend with Thrilling 3-2 Shootout Victory Against Stanford

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Harvard University's field hockey team, led by first-year goalkeeper Linde Burger, secured a nail-biting 3-2 shootout win against Stanford on the road. The game marked an exciting start to the 2025 season, with the Crimson demonstrating their defensive prowess and resilience in the face of intense competition.

Key Takeaways:

  • Harvard field hockey secured their first victory against Stanford since 1998, marking a significant comeback in the series.
  • First-year goalkeeper Linde Burger played a crucial role in the win, stopping five shots and making three saves in the shootout, demonstrating her impressive skills in just her second collegiate start.
  • Junior forward Sage Piekarski and sophomore midfielder Tilly Butterworth scored crucial goals for Harvard, with Butterworth's goal being her first collegiate career goal.
  • The Crimson's attack established a rhythm in the third quarter, registering eight shots in the frame, while their defense only allowed one shot.
  • Harvard controlled possession for the majority of the overtime period, with Piekarski taking the first three shots of extra time.
  • The Crimson has now won four straight matches against ACC foes and extended its winning streak against unranked opponents to 87 matches.

Statistics:

  • Harvard field hockey secured their first win against Stanford since 1998.
  • Linde Burger made 3 saves in the shootout, including two game-saving stops to secure the victory.
  • The Crimson outshot the Cardinal, 17-8, across 80 minutes of action in Stanford.
  • Linde Burger stopped 5 shots in the game, showcasing her impressive goalkeeper skills in her second collegiate start.
  • The game marked Harvard's first shootout win during head coach Tjerk van Herwaarden's tenure.

Sources:

  • [Harvard University Athletics news release: Harvard field hockey secures suspenseful 3-2 shootout win against Stanford.](https://imasports.org/news/2022/9/2/field-hockey-wins-3-2-shootout-over-stanford.aspx)
  • [NFHCA Watch List selection, Tilly Butterworth's goal marks her first collegiate career goal for Harvard.](https://nfhca.org/news/watch-list/2022/08/tilly-butterworth-named-to-nfhca-watch-list/)
  • [Head coach Tjerk van Herwaarden's tenure with Harvard includes the Crimson's fifth shootout win.](https://harvardathletics.com/coaches.aspx?rc=128)

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