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Harvard Falls to Hartwick & Brown on Day 1 of Northern Championship
NEW LONDON, Conn. -- The Harvard
women's water polo team opened the 2009 Northern Division
Championship Saturday, dropping two close games to No. 15 Hartwick
and No. 19 Brown. The Crimson fell to the Hawks, 12-8, before
losing to the Bears, 8-7, in overtime to move to 9-14 on the
season.
Against Hartwick, the Crimson fell behind 6-0, before starting a
run in the second quarter, getting within two goals, 8-6, in the
third. Nicola Perlman stopped several one-on-none chances and had
12 saves in all against the Hawks. She also recorded three steals
to keep Harvard in contention.
Devan Kennifer, who had two kickouts drawn, two assists and two
steals, and Ita Barton-Kettleborough each got three shots into the
back of the net, while Monica Zdrojewski, the reigning Northern
Division Rookie of the Week, scored twice. Devon MacLaughlin also
put forth a solid effort, drawing four kickouts. Harvard outscored
Hartwick, 8-6, after falling in the initial 6-0 hole.
In the second game of the day, Harvard scored six of the first
seven goals to carry a 6-1 lead into the break, but Brown outscored
the Crimson, 6-1, in the second to force an extra session.
Shannon Purcell and Barton-Kettleborough each tallied two goals,
while Kelly Peeler and Kennifer contributed one apiece. Perlman
played another fine game in net, stopping nine shots. Brown led the
ejection ratio, 16-7, for the game.
"This was a tough loss, especially after we played so well to
start the game," said Harvard head coach Erik Farrar.
The Crimson is back in action Sunday morning, as Harvard will face
Connecticut College at 9 a.m. The team will then play Utica at 1:15
p.m.
Release courtesy Harvard Athletic Communications
