Irish Defeat #25 Harvard, Opening Season 4-0

Notre Dame Fighting Irish women's lacrosse team remains undefeated with a 10-7 road victory over the Harvard Crimson.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The No. 16 Notre Dame Fighting Irish women's lacrosse team defeated the No. 25 Harvard Crimson 10-7 on the road, improving their record to 4-0 on the season. Junior Kate Timarky led the Irish with five goals, including a hat trick in the second quarter. Maura Irish, Charley Bacigalupo, Franny O'Brien, Grace Maroney, and Madison Rassas also scored for Notre Dame. Maura Irish had a career-high four points, four caused turnovers, and four ground balls. Harvard jumped out to a 6-0 lead, but Notre Dame responded with 10 unanswered goals to secure the victory.

Why it matters

This win keeps the Fighting Irish undefeated to start the 2026 season and marks their second road victory and third win over a ranked opponent. It demonstrates the team's resilience and ability to mount a comeback against a highly ranked opponent on the road.

The details

Notre Dame trailed 6-0 midway through the second quarter before mounting a 10-0 run to take control of the game. Timarky's hat trick in the second quarter sparked the Irish comeback, and they held Harvard scoreless in the third quarter to take an 8-6 lead heading into the fourth. O'Brien and Rassas added goals in the fourth to seal the 10-7 victory for the Fighting Irish.

  • The game was played on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
  • Notre Dame trailed 6-0 at 7:56 in the second quarter.
  • The Irish scored 10 unanswered goals from the second quarter through the fourth quarter.

The players

Kate Timarky

A junior on the Notre Dame women's lacrosse team who matched her career-high with five goals in the win.

Maura Irish

A Notre Dame player who recorded a career-high four points, four caused turnovers, and four ground balls in the victory.

Ceci Patterson

The Notre Dame goalkeeper who finished the day with four saves and picked up her fourth win of the season.

Abby Lyons

A Notre Dame player who caused three turnovers in the game.

Franny O'Brien

A Notre Dame player who caused three turnovers and recorded a career-high five ground balls.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Irish resume ACC play on Feb. 22 as they host No. 12 Virginia at Arlotta. The game will be broadcast on ACCN at 4 p.m.

The takeaway

This win demonstrates the Fighting Irish women's lacrosse team's resilience and ability to mount a comeback against a highly ranked opponent on the road, keeping their undefeated season alive.