Duke Blue Devils Set to Face Harvard Crimson in Non-Conference Clash
The Duke Blue Devils are gearing up for an exciting non-conference matchup against Harvard, wrapping up a two-game home stand this Tuesday. With the opening draw scheduled for 5 p.m., fans can catch the action live on ACC Network Extra.
Coming off a hard-fought 16-14 victory over Louisville, Duke is sitting at 6-3 overall and 3-2 in ACC play. The win saw eight different Blue Devils find the back of the net, with standout performances from Ava Biancardi, who scored four goals, and Avery Doran, who added three. The game also marked significant milestones for Hope Schoudel, reaching 50 career saves, and Reese Woodworth, who hit 50 career draw controls.
Currently ranked No. 15 by the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association, Duke also holds the No. 12 spot in Inside Lacrosse and No. 17 in USA Lacrosse Magazine rankings. Junior Ellie White continues to impress, having collected 191 ground balls, placing her fifth in Duke's all-time records. Just 35 more would see her climb into the top four.
Offensively, Duke is powered by the dynamic duo of Avery Doran and Ava Biancardi, each with 25 goals this season. Quinn Whitaker follows closely with 21 goals, while Bella Goodwin, Eva Pronti, and Sadie Stafford have all reached double-digit scoring.
Doran’s precision is notable, leading the ACC and ranking 19th nationally in shot percentage at .695. Meanwhile, Whitaker’s 21 goals place her sixth among freshmen across the country.
Key Stats to Watch:
- Ellie White dominates with 91 draw controls, leading the ACC.
- Ava Biancardi has recorded four consecutive hat tricks.
- Duke ranks fifth in the nation for draw controls per game.
- Eva Pronti shines with 23 assists this season, tying for fifth in Duke’s career assists.
Poll Positions:
Duke maintains strong standings across major polls, reinforcing their reputation as a top contender in women’s lacrosse.
Milestone Alerts:
- Head coach Kerstin Kimel is closing in on her 375th career victory.
- Amanda Paci is nearing 50 career caused turnovers.
- Avery Doran is just two goals shy of 50 career goals, with other career milestones within reach.
- Ava Biancardi is eight goals away from her 50th career goal.
Duke vs. Harvard:
This matchup marks only the second meeting between Duke and Harvard, with Duke leading the series 1-0 after a 15-13 win back in 2024.
Scouting Harvard:
Harvard enters with a 1-5 record, struggling in recent games, including a 15-5 loss to Boston College. Callie Batchelder leads the Crimson with 13 goals, while Charlotte Hodgson contributes significantly in both goals and assists.
Rebecca Arpano anchors the defense, leading in ground balls and starts in net, though she faces challenges with a 13.64 GAA.
Following this home game, Duke will embark on a three-game road trip, starting with a contest against Virginia Tech on March 21, streaming live on ACCNX.
This game promises to be a thrilling encounter as Duke looks to maintain their momentum and continue climbing the ranks. Fans should expect a showcase of skill and strategy as the Blue Devils aim to extend their winning streak.