Pictured: Shannon
Purcell
Photo courtesy: Gil Talbot Photography
HAYWARD, Calif.- March Madness knows no
borders. This time of year sees a handful of underdogs pull off an
incredible feat, stunning the favorite team. The Harvard
women's water polo team accomplished just that as it
unleashed its potent offense to conquer its first ranked opponent
of the season. The Crimson upset No. 19 Cal State East Bay, 15-11,
Friday afternoon.
Harvard jumped out to an early 3-1 lead before the Pioneers drew
close as the Crimson held onto a 5-4 lead after just eight minutes
of action. Harvard extended its lead to two goals by outscoring Cal
State East Bay 3-2 in the second quarter, as the team enjoyed an
8-6 advantage at the half. The Pioneers stormed back into the game
by cutting the deficit to a single goal with Harvard still leading
10-9 after three periods of play. In the fourth stanza, the Crimson
erupted for five goals and limited Cal State East Bay to just two
scores. Harvard walked away with its 10th victory of the campaign,
a 15-12 decision, to boost its record to 10-7. The Pioneers fall to
17-8, halting their five-game win streak.
A triumvirate of players scored hat-tricks for the Crimson in
the match. Devan Kennifer, Patricia Smith and Monica Zdrojewski all
buried three markers. Aisha Price and Shannon Purcell chipped in
two scores apiece while Kristina Bergquist and Ita
Barton-Kettleborough both tallied a goal. Laurel McCarthy made four
saves between the posts.
Harvard will take on Pacific and Cal State Monterey Bay, March
20, in the final leg of its West Coast expedition.
