M. Water Polo Splits Opening Set

After a disappointing, injury-plagued 2003 season and a controversial coaching change, the status of the men’s water polo team was dubious at best.

When the Crimson starters entered the pool in the first game of the season Friday night against Queens College, they gave a decisive answer to silence those who doubted their resilience.

In its first seven minutes of play this season, Harvard’s offense aggressively attacked the Knights, scored nine goals and ultimately defeated Queens, 17-9.

But after its powerful resurgence, the offensive spark was snuffed out. In its remaining seven periods of play over the weekend, the Crimson (1-1) was outscored 31-19 by the Knights and its next opponent, No. 7 St. Francis. In its match against the nationally-ranked Terriers (8-2), Harvard suffered a 22-11 loss.

HARVARD 17, QUEENS 9

Defeating the 2003 Northern Division Champions—a team that prevailed over St. Francis in the championship game last year—would not have been possible without the stellar play of the Crimson offense during the first period.

The offense was keyed by senior co-captain Rick Offsay and senior Greg Marvin-Smith, who notched three goals apiece.

Sophomores John Voith and Mike Garcia and juniors Andrei Boros and Greg Valiant also put home two goals each while senior co-captain Mike Gerrity scored as well.

After gaining a commanding lead early, Harvard was able to use the opportunity to stretch its offensive legs. The team did not squander its chance to experiment with various combinations of players.

“We were able to get the guys with less experience in and try out new stuff,” Offsay said. “We worked on holding the ball until late in the shot clock and making crisp passes.”

Unfortunately, the guys with the least experience on the team, the freshmen, were unable to travel to New York for the games because of orientation.

Though the Crimson offense did slow down after its powerful start, the team continued to maintain its edge. Harvard controlled the pace of the game and focused on trying out different strategies and plays, instead of only on putting the ball in the net.

“The team has been training to play an intense four quarters,” Gerrity said. “Even with our lead, that is what we did.”

Offsay attributed the victory to the intense preparation of the team in the pre-season under the guidance of new head coach Erik Farrar.

The squad has been living and training together for a month now, practicing six hours a day.

“We have been more focused and using our time more effectively in practice,” Offsay said. “We are able to come out more focused and more intense. The game was a credit to Coach Farrar.”

Gerrity also praised Farrar, saying that he has been “making sure offensive personnel are in the most effective positions.”

ST. FRANCIS 22, HARVARD 11

The exhilaration of the Crimson’s first win was short-lived, as St. Francis reminded Harvard it is still the team to beat in the Eastern division.

“They are a very solid team,” Offsay said. “The team has very experienced players who are from Eastern European countries that are water polo powerhouses.”

The Terriers jumped out to a 4-0 lead and never looked back. Despite Gerrity’s best efforts—and the contribution of four goals—the Crimson was unable to narrow the gap to less than two throughout the game.

Though its offense started out slowly, Harvard was able to answer back with a trio of goals of its own, making the score 6-3 after the first period. Offsay scored three goals, while Marvin-Smith banged home two of his own. Senior Brian Choi and sophomore Alasandro Lazzarine each rippled the nets once.

Leading during the second half, St. Francis’s defense held the Crimson offense to just five goals, thereby securing the victory.

“St. Francis is probably the best team on the East Coast,” Gerrity said. “They have a number of very strong and talented players. I was happy with our performance and am excited to take them on again later in the season.”

After playing Queens and St. Francis, two teams currently at opposite ends of the spectrum, the Crimson was able to assess where it stands and prepare for the rest of the season.

“Overall, it was an interesting weekend,” Offsay said. “We were able to get our bearings.”

The team will host Navy in the first round of the ECAC Championships next Friday at Blodgett Pool.

—Staff writer Megha Parekh can be reached at parekh@fas.harvard.edu.