F. Hockey Explodes Past Lions

Cuba Gooding, Jr. Wasn't there to say, "Show me the offense," but the Harvard field hockey team (2-2, 1-0 Ivy) exploded some convincing fireworks in its 5-0 rout of Columbia on Saturday.

"We just wanted to prove to ourselves that we can actually win," said junior Caroline Johnston, who netted a goal against the Lions. "We felt it was urgent to prove that we can actually produce points on a scoreboard."

After twin 1-0 losses to New Hampshire and Vermont-where Harvard outshot UNH and UVM by a combined 39-10, but only scored in the two shootout rounds against UNH-Harvard finally had something to show for its dominance in the shot column against Columbia.

On Saturday, the Crimson again outshot its opponent, 24-3. This time, sophomore Katie Schoolwerth heralded the offensive revival by scoring with 33:12 left in the first half. At halftime, the Crimson enjoyed a 3-0 lead.

Harvard wrested the game away from Columbia with two goals in the second half.

"We didn't dominate completely," Johnston said. "The first half was a lot better. We did continue to keep the pressure on although Columbia did get into the game a little in the second half. But we showed our dominance by scoring."

Junior Judy Collins returned triumphantly from playing in the Junior World Cup in Seongnam, Korea. Collins scorched the Lions for two goals and an assist.

Co-captain Amy DiMarzio also scored for the Crimson.

"One big problem [against UNH and UVM] was that we couldn't score," Johnston said. "We had a lot of pressure, but couldn't put the ball in the net. We still have a lot to work on.

"In Vermont, our offensive style was more panicked. We didn't play with as much composure. People dribbled a lot; our wings and forwards weren't open and we would try to get in and around."

On Saturday, the Crimson played closer to its preferred two-touch style.

"We want to get the ball and pass," Johnston said. "Against Columbia, we were moving more off and on the ball, and we had people popping in and out of spaces."

Sophomore Anya Cowan again dazzled in goal, posting her third shutout of the year.

"Anya is excellent, extremely solid," Johnston said. "We're very confident whenever the ball goes anywhere near her."

The defense also helped to contain the Lions with Cowan needing to make just three saves.

"The defense is doing its job," Johnston said. "We just need to organize a bit earlier on quick breaks that the offense might have."

Johnston scored off a corner, but said the team needs to improve overall on converting its corners.

"Considering that we get over 20 a game, we should score on at least more than half of them," Johnston said. "We haven't been executing them exactly right. We have the personnel to execute them."

Having dispersed the Lions' pride, the Crimson will travel to Storrs, Connecticut on Thursday to face the University of Connecticut.