Strong Second Half Performance Lifts No. 10 Long Beach State Over No. 19 Harvard

Tuesday, March 12

Long Beach, Calif.

7 p.m.

Long Beach State University

12-6, 1-0

Harvard

10-9, 3-2

Harvard

Long Beach State

Photo by: John Fajardo

Strong Second Half Performance Lifts No. 10 Long Beach State Over No. 19 Harvard

3/12/2024 10:13:00 PM | Women's Water Polo

Box Score

Elisa Portillo led the Beach with four goals in the 11-10.

By: Nicole Hoff, Athletic Communications Assistant

LONG BEACH, Calif.- After only scoring three goals in the first half, Long Beach State turned it around in the second half to beat No. 19 Harvard 11-10 Tuesday night. Elisa Portillo led the Beach with four goals, while Chelsea Oliver tied her season-high with 10 saves.

Both defenses came out strong to start the game, but Harvard took the first goal of the game at 2:50. The Beach responded on the powerplay goal from Elisa Portillo and an even strength goal by Anne de Kleer to end the first tied at 2-2.

Harvard started the second quarter with two goals to increase the lead to two. Mariah Walker drew a late exclusion that led to a five meter goal for Portillo, her second goal of the night. The Beach trailed 3-4 heading into the half.

The Crimson found the goal with an extra attacker to start the second half. Lara Luka responded as she scored her first goal of the game on the next possession. Portillo found her third goal on the powerplay, while Chiara Amoroso scored back-to-back goals to give the Beach their first lead of the night. Harvard added two more goals to end the third quarter tied at 7-7.

The Beach came out firing to start the final quarter. Rachael Kowalchick found the back of the cage after she slipped past the defender. Portillo would score her fourth goal of the game on the powerplay after the assist from de Kleer. Kowalchick added another goal to increase the lead to two. Harvard's offense would score two more goals, but Luka secured the win 11-10 with a last minute goal.

Chelsea Oliver ended the game with 10 saves, tying her season-high, and two steals. The Beach also had six steals in the win. Kowalchick's two goals during tonight's game now puts her at 98 on the season.

The Beach will continue Big West play on Saturday, March 16, as they host Cal State Fullerton at Noon. Beach fans can follow along at thefosh.net.