Harvard Holds Off Sacred Heart in Dramatic Finish

09.14.2024

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NIRA’s D-I is still very tight as evidenced by Harvard’s five-point victory over Sacred Heart Friday night.

Harvard improved to 2-0-1 while SHU dropped to 1-1.

Harvard took an early lead when Lennox London scored and Chloe Headland converted. SHU fullback Alyssa Cunningham’s penalty goal nudged the Pioneers closer but Headland answered with a penalty of her own to make it 10-3.

NIRA Scores This Week

Sacred Heart tied it up with a big try from Reece Woods, and Cunningham converted to make it 10-10.

This would be the theme of the game, with Harvard later on building another lead only to see SHU storm back.

Neasa McLaughlin powered over for a forwards’ try, and then scrumhalf Reese Morgan tapped quickly just before halftime to go over. Harvard went into the break leading 20-10.

SHU held a ton of possession in the second half. Cunningham raced over and converted to bring her side within three. And then midway through the second half the Pioneers opted for posts after a period of pressure and Cunningham was good on the kick.

The game remained deadlocked at 20-20 into the final minutes of the game, as Harvard’s defense held firm. Finally with time winding down Harvard got into the SHU 22, and smooth hands down the backline opened up enough space for London to race to the corner.

That was the game-winner as Harvard took the match 25-20.

"We knew it was going to be an intense match and that is exactly what it was," said SHU Head Coach Michelle Reed. "It was a fight, back-and-forth, for 80 minutes. We played with tenacity and grit, and I am proud of our performance. Playing Harvard in the second match of the season gave us a chance to test our connection and resilience as a program and will provide a great foundation for the rest of the season."

Cunningham scored 15 of SHU's 20 points.

"The conference is becoming more competitive which is what we all want and what will help grow the game, so I am pleased with the quality," said Denham, whose side rebounded from a tie with Quinnipiac last week to win a tough game on the road. "Every week we look to improve and really saw that in our defense this week. SHU are a tough team, and we knew we had to be up for Aly Cunningham’s tactical kicking game and the hard-hitting Woods sisters and their strong carries. They did a great job and put us under pressure, and a big emphasis for us was taking care of the backfield and getting our defense right so we could win those tackle collisions."

London has been as good as expected this year, scoring seven tries in three games so far, including Friday's game-winner.

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