Weekly Sports Preview: September 10-17

For many, the start of the semester means a return to academics, but for Harvard sports fans, the first day of classes also means fans returning and conference play beginning. This week brings several home openers, giving fans the chance to cheer on their favorite Harvard teams as new athletes debut and familiar favorites return to the fields, courts, and pools.

Men’s Soccer (1–2)

After a modest 1–2 start to the season, the men’s soccer team will hold their Crimson Kickoff at 1 p.m. on Saturday against the University of Connecticut—a rivalry that dates back to 1946, with Connecticut leading the series 16–8–7. This will be its first meeting in Cambridge since 2015, when the Crimson suffered a tough 1–2 loss. Their most recent meeting in 2025 ended in a 1–1 draw after both teams received red cards, so the Crimson squad has proven they can hang with the Huskies. This year, the team has a chance to win the series for the first time since 1992. Crimson Kickoff is always the most exciting game of the season, so come out for a thrilling match, food trucks, free giveaways, and postgame autographs.

The team will then head to the University of New Hampshire to compete on Tuesday at 6 p.m. This has historically been a tight game for the Crimson squad, with the series record standing at 8–7–1. Their most recent matchup in 2025 saw Harvard’s first victory over the University of New Hampshire since 2016, ending a five-game losing streak. This road test, coming so soon after another rivalry home game, will test the squad’s depth and endurance as the men look to secure a second consecutive victory.

Women’s Soccer (3–2–1)

On Thursday night at 7 p.m., the women’s soccer team will face Northeastern University at home. This rivalry dates back to 1998, with the Crimson leading the series 7–2–3 and securing three consecutive victories from 2021 to 2024. Their 2024 victory was a total blowout: Harvard won 4–0 with four different goal scorers—the largest margin of victory since their inaugural season. Last year, however, the meeting ended in a 1–1 draw at Northeastern. The Huskies have proven to be worthy opponents recently and will be returning this year in hopes of securing their first victory against the Crimson since 2019.

The team will then head to the University of New Hampshire, where they will look to defend their impressive 25–3–3 record on Sunday at 2 p.m. Their last meeting resulted in a close 3–2 battle, so Harvard should not get too comfortable if they want to continue their unbeaten streak dating back to 2014.

Field Hockey (2–0)

Returning from their NCAA semifinal run in 2025, the field hockey team are looking to secure their first-ever first-place finish this season. After kicking off their season with a two-game win streak, the Crimson will play their historic in-state rivals, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, at home Friday at 3:30 p.m. This series is remarkably close, with Harvard leading just 9–8 since their first meeting in 2002. Harvard’s victory over UMass last October extended their program-record 15-game win streak, but their last two matchups have been close—a 1–0 win and a 0–1 loss.

The field hockey team will then host Boston College on Sunday at 1 p.m. This will be their first meeting since 2019, with both teams on completely new rosters. Look out for high scorer Lara Beekhuis ’27, returning after a career-best season in goals and points. She’s already secured one goal and an assist in just two games this season. Also watch goalkeeper Linde Burger ’29, who, in her freshman year, led the nation in goals-against average and was named a third-team All-American by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association.

Women’s Volleyball (3–0)

The women’s volleyball team is headed to Wilmington, North Carolina, for a three-match non-conference weekend. They will play the University of North Carolina Asheville on Friday at 10 a.m., Norfolk State at 4:30 p.m. that day, and UNC Wilmington on Saturday at 1 p.m. They will then head to Merrimack College on Tuesday for a 7 p.m. game. These road tests give the team a chance to build form and confidence ahead of Ivy play, where Harvard was predicted to finish with a modest sixth-place mark in the preseason poll. Look out for returning All-Ivy Honorable Mentions, Sofia Rossi ’29 and Ryleigh Patterson ’27, as the team look to continue their three-game winning streak to start the season.

Women’s Rugby (1–0)

Harvard’s women’s rugby team is indisputably the best in the country right now, returning after their fourth consecutive National Intercollegiate Rugby Association national championship. After their perfect 9–0 fall season in 2025, the squad’s home opener is this Saturday at 4 p.m. against Brown. The squad have not lost to Brown since 2015, and their last meeting was a total blowout, with Harvard securing a 47–8 victory.

Look out for captains Ava Ference ’27 and Courtney Taylor ’27, named to the All-NIRA first and second teams, respectively, last year. Also watch returning player Madelyn Hubbell ’29, who spent the summer traveling with the USA Falcons U20, U23, and senior women’s teams, and was named the most valuable player of the U20 South African tour.

Men’s Water Polo (2–5)

This weekend, the men’s water polo team will head to New Jersey for the Princeton Invitational, where they will play San Jose State on Saturday at 11 a.m., Santa Clara University on Saturday at 6:30 p.m., and the U.S. Naval Academy on Sunday at 11 a.m. Their San Jose State game is particularly notable as it is a season rematch—the two teams met at the Aggie Roundup on September 5, where Harvard suffered a tough 8–14 loss. This game gives the men a chance at redemption against a strong West Coast team, currently ranked No. 10, compared to Harvard’s No. 18. This tournament also offers two fresh opponents, giving the team a chance to find their footing and build confidence after a 2–5 start to the season.

Whether you make the trip across the river or stream from the comfort of your dorm, be sure to tune into Harvard’s athletic teams this week. From soccer to water polo, we are heading into a week of new beginnings and decades-old rivalries that will have something for everyone. Before classes start to get busy, take time to watch some familiar favorites or learn about a sport you’ve never seen before, and support Harvard’s athletes as they prepare for a new season.

Lucy Duncan ’28 (lduncan@college.harvard.edu) writes Sports for the “Harvard Independent.”