FIRST THOUGHTS: How No. 11 Women’s Hockey Fell to No. 7 Yale in the ECAC Semifinals
The loss marks the final game of the 2025-2026 season as the Red will not earn a berth in the NCAA tournament.
The loss marks the final game of the 2025-2026 season as the Red will not earn a berth in the NCAA tournament.
Sophomore Josh Toothman boasted a record-breaking performance with his time in the 50-yard freestyle preliminary round. He swam a 19.45, qualified for the A Final and earned himself the distinction of being “the fastest Cornellian in water ever.” In other words, Toothman broke the school record in the quickest event.
“It comes down to really establishing your role and buying into it and believing in it whatever that may be, whether you’re [on the] first line or in the stands every night,” O’Brien said. “If you can master your role, then you actually do contribute to the team every day.”
Charlotte FC recently announced that it signed Andrew Johnson ’25 to a first-team contract. Johnson’s contract will see him signed for the entirety of the 2026 season, with a club option for future seasons.
“We've had ups and downs a little bit. We've had lessons that we've learned along the way. They've responded to everything so far. That's playoff hockey, right there.”
“That definitely was playoff hockey,” said head coach Doug Derraugh. “Very physical, very fast. I think it certainly prepared us well going into next week.”
“Most times when you see teams score after a 0-0 tie after the first period, some teams kind of back off, but I think that we handled it the right way.”
“There was no doubt in our minds when we went into the locker room after the third period that we were going to come up with a win."
On Feb. 21 at Helen Newman Arena, the Hinton parents sat in the stands and applauded every good play — whether it came from Cornell or Harvard. On the court, their sons were doing what they’ve done since they were four and six years old, shooting on a Fisher-Price basketball hoop in their living room: competing.
“It's a big weekend for us,” said senior defenseman Jack O’Brien. “If you look at our past eight games, on the road, it's been a grind. It's a big momentum weekend leading into the playoffs. So if we can get both wins, it'll be huge.”
Women’s swim and dive ended the 2026 season at No. 6 in the Ivy League, marking its highest Ivy League finish since 2010.
“We’re just reaping the benefits,” said head coach Casey Jones ’90. “We’re reaping the benefits of two juniors being really, really good.”
If the Red want to play in a third consecutive NCAA tournament, it will need to beat No. 13 Colgate, and likely win its semifinals matchup as well.
When No. 11 women’s hockey and No. 13 Colgate drop the puck this weekend in the ECAC tournament quarterfinals, it will mark another chapter in a struggle between two perpetually evenly matched teams.
“It’s interesting how we title it,” Falese said. “But we’re definitely open to creating community for all people of color, and everyone on campus.”
Cornell walked away with a 13-9 win, showing poise down the stretch against No. 17 University of Denver.