Zepfel's six goals helped secure third place at the Ivy League Championship tournament. (Gil Talbot)

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - No. 19 Harvard men's water polo (15-6, 4-3) defeated Dartmouth (6-2) 15-11 in Providence, Rhode Island, finishing in third place at the Ancient Eight Championship.

Harvard was always in firm control of the game, never relinquishing the lead.

The Crimson came out the gate fast, scoring seven goals in the first eight minutes of action, taking a 7-3 lead in the first quarter. It was a true team effort as seven different Harvard players found the back of the net in the period. 

The second frame did not see as much offensive action, but Harvard continued to control the game. The Crimson found the back of the net three times in the second quarter with Ben Zepfel, accounting for two of the goals. Colin Woolway and the defense were even stronger in the second quarter, shutting out the Big Green and pushing the Harvard lead to 10-3 entering half time.

Junior Austin Lee saw extended play time in the game after coming on in the third quarter. A. Lee scored is first career goal for Harvard as the Crimson ended the third quarter up 14-8. Zepfel add two more in the third pushing his total to five with a quarter still to play.

In the final period Zepfel found the back of the net for a sixth time, securing the Crimson's 15-11 win over Dartmouth and third place in the Ivy League Championship. Harvard has now taken home third place three times in last five years at the Ivy Championship.

The Crimson are back in action with a CWPA Northern Division Saturday doubleheader, hosting MIT and Connecticut College. On Oct. 25, the Crimson will face off against the Engineers at 11 a.m. and then get back in the pool at 3 p.m. to take on the Camels.