CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — The UC Davis women's water polo team picked up two wins over ranked opponents on the first day of competition at the Harvard Invitational. The Aggies defeated No. 19 Harvard, 10-9, and No. 20 Brown 9-8 on Saturday. 

HOW IT HAPPENED
The Aggies kept stride with the Crimson to open the morning, as Gianna Nocetti scored twice and Bridget Miller tossed in a goal to finish the first period tied at three. Madison Sparre netted her seventh goal of the season to help UC Davis remain within one going into the half. 

Ryan Sund scored for the second time in 2024 and Nocetti finished off a hat trick to remain down a goal at the end of the third. 

UC Davis found an extra gear in the fourth quarter, spreading the ball around to four different goal scorers. The Aggies outscored the host Harvard 4-2 in the period to take back the lead and finish off the comeback win. 

Nocetti finished with four goals and drew two exclusions, while Grace Pelkey had a goal and two assists. Chelsea Johnson scored, drew four exclusions and collected a steal and a field block. 

Nellie McAdams was outstanding in the goal, saving 10 shots and grabbing a steal. 

The Aggies kept their level of play in their second game, slowly building out a four goal lead behind a stellar defensive effort through three quarters that saw the Bears limited to just four goals. 

Perhaps letting their guard down, the Aggies allowed Brown to work their way back into the game, but Sadie Henry's fourth quarter goal was enough offense as the Aggies pulled out the win, 9-8. 

Sam Yoo led the way offensively, picking up her first hat trick of the season. Kelly Hungerford had three assists and a goal and Nocetti added two more goals to her tally for the day. 

McAdams posted a near identical statline, with another 10 save, one steal outing in the goal.

UP NEXT
UC Davis is back in action for two more games tomorrow against Siena College and La Salle. Game one begins at 6:20 a.m. PT, while the second game against La Salle will start at 10:20 a.m. PT. The Harvard Invitational is streaming live on ESPN+ all weekend.