Harvard Handles MIT 9-6 in CWPA Varsity Northern Division Opener

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- The Harvard men's water polo team earned a victory in its home and CWPA opener, as the Crimson topped MIT, 9-6, on the evening of September 16 at Blodgett Pool. With the win, Harvard improves to 2-6 and 1-0 in the CWPA, while the Engineers fall to 1-8 and 0-1 in conference play.

Before its home crowd, the Crimson trailed, 1-0, early, but scored back-to-back goals to grab a 2-1 lead at the end of the first quarter. Harvard kept the pressure on and tallied two goals in the opening moments of the second to take a 4-1 advantage. After leading 5-4 entering the intermission, the Crimson offense scored three of four goals in the third, including a late tally by Breth Voith, to move ahead, 8-5, with one quarter to play. With 15 seconds remaining in the third quarter, Harvard drew an ejection and Alex Thompson made a quick pass to Voith. With time winding down, Voith stuffed the ball into the net for his second goal of the game.

Voith, Thompson and Egen Atkinson all tallied two goals apiece. Atkinson scored both of his goals on counter attacks, while Thompson made four steals and drew two kickouts. Jeff Lee, Luka Babic and Evan Zepfel each tallied one goal. Nikhil Balarman played a solid game in net, making nine saves.

"This is a great start to our conference schedule," said Harvard head coach Erik Farrar. "It's always important to get that first conference win, especially when playing at home."

Release courtesy Harvard Athletic Communications