Mixed Results Mark High-Scoring Weekend

It was a weekend of high scoring and tough scores, as the Crimson discovered the ECAC never brings easy competition.

Seeded third in the ECAC Championships at Lewisburg, Pa, Harvard (3-4) finished fourth in the two-day tournament, playing three games in two days. In Sunday’s third-place playoff, the Crimson fell to a crushing 14-6 defeat at the hands of fourth-seeded Wagner (3-6).

Harvard reached the playoff through a strong showing in Saturday’s games—an 8-7 win in the first round versus George Washington was followed up by a narrow 12-9 loss to second-seeded Marist.

“We started out playing our strongest at the beginning of the tournament, and then had a hard time maintaining that intensity,” co-captain Lauren Snyder said.

In the 2007 ECAC Championship, Harvard finished seventh of eight competitors. While the Crimson’s form may not have been ideal heading into this year’s tournament—following defeats to Maryland and No. 18 Princeton in the Princeton Invitational Feb. 16-17—there was an incentive to improve on last season’s showing.

Despite two losses, there were several Harvard protagonists. With a team-leading nine goals and 13 ejections this weekend, junior Devon MacLaughlin was in prolific form. Co-captain Vivian Liao scored four goals, while Snyder also made important contributions.

WAGNER 14, HARVARD 6

With third place up for grabs, the Crimson entered the game harboring hopes of bronze. Unfortunately, Harvard was left with bruises following a devastating second-half showing by the Seahawks.

“I think that we were a little disappointed with the way that the semi-final [Marist game] went,” Snyder said. “It was a hard to get back into the mindset we needed to be able to play well.”

Having beaten Wagner, 14-13, earlier in the season, this game began as an equally competitive contest. At the end of a closely-fought first period, the score was tied, 3-3.

However, the Seahawks took control in the second period, as a five-goal blitz helped them take an 8-3 lead into halftime.

In the second half, it was a case of Harvard frustration. The Crimson was unable to capitalize on its 6-on-5 chances, and not even two hat-tricks from MacLaughlin and Liao could prevent Wagner from taking third place.

MARIST 12, HARVARD 9

In its second-round contest, third seed Harvard faced second seed Marist with a place in the final at stake. It would prove a step too far for the Crimson, succumbing to its opponent, 12-9.

After a finely-balanced first half, Harvard had no response to an early second-half onslaught by the Foxes. Justifying its second seed status, Marist powered into the lead, maintaining a two or three goal advantage for the remainder of the game to consign the Crimson to defeat.

“We didn’t capitalize on the opportunities we created,” Snyder said. “We need to keep focusing on executing under pressure even when we’re [feeling] a little physically drained.”

Continuing her prowess, McLaughlin netted four goals and drew four ejections. Elsewhere, Liao contributed two goals, while Snyder, senior Melissa Mueller and freshman Patricia Smith each tallied one.

HARVARD 8, GEORGE WASHINGTON 7

In Saturday’s first match, the Crimson opened its tournament in dramatic fashion, coming from behind to seal an 8-7 victory in overtime over George Washington in a closely-fought contest.

“We did a great job generating ejections, and we had a real strong 2-meter game,” Snyder said.

With the Crimson holding a 4-2 lead in the third quarter, the Colonials looked set to receive its marching orders for the second time this season. However, George Washington refused to concede, fighting back and storming to a 6-5 lead in the fourth quarter.

Harvard mustered a last-gasp response. With two minutes remaining in the game, Mueller produced an equalizer from a 6-on-5 play.

Further surprises had yet to unfold. In the first overtime, George Washington scored a power play to pull ahead of the Crimson, 7-6. However, MacLaughlin leveled the score at 7-7.

With 12 seconds left in the first frame of overtime, MacLaughlin drew an ejection, setting up a Liao goal to give Harvard an 8-7 lead to complete the turnaround.

Liao led all scorers with three goals, while MacLaughlin netted two and earned four ejections. Snyder, Mueller and sophomore Kathryn Bilder each tallied one goal.