Back From California, Harvard Posts Two Victories

After a tough road trip to California last week, the Harvard men’s water polo team rebounded with two victories in the friendly waters of Blodgett Pool in a doubleheader on Saturday.

The team recorded a 10-5 win over the Fordham Rams and a 12-9 triumph over the Iona Gaels.

The Crimson (9-8) was led by sophomore Spencer Livingston’s seven goals and a stifling defense anchored by junior goalkeeper Jay Connolly.

Harvard’s depth was once again showcased, as seven different players found themselves on the scoreboard.

“Overall, we did an excellent job of controlling the tempo,” coach Erik Farrar said. “We were just deeper than they were.”

The Crimson looks to build on its momentum at home against Connecticut College this Thursday.

HARVARD 12, IONA 9

The Crimson continued its balanced play to defeat Iona in the nightcap, 12-9.

“We came out strong from the gate, and [the score] was never that close after the first five minutes,” co-captain Chris Ludwick said.

Riding high off of sophomore Egen Atkinson’s two penalty conversions and the team’s physical play, Harvard found itself up 8-4 at the half.

The Crimson let up a bit after the break but maintained the lead with clutch goals at the end of the game.

Stellar play on the defensive front, especially in goal, helped seal the victory.

After recording 15 saves in the first game, Connolly remained on top of his game, blocking 14 shots in game two.

“[The game] was good in the beginning, but the middle was a little shaky,” Farrar said. “Good teams respond, though, and we responded really well.”

The scoresheet reflected the strong team play by Harvard, as scoring was distributed among several players.

Atkinson, Livingston, and freshman Bret Voith all scored three goals, and co-captain Michael Byrd added two.

Sophomore Dan Furman added a key goal at the end of the first quarter to stake the Crimson to a commanding 5-2 lead. Harvard never looked back en route to victory.

“It was a solid team effort all the way around,” Farrar said.

HARVARD 10, FORDHAM 5

The Crimson topped the Rams in the first game of the day, outplaying Fordham throughout the second half.

“We strangled them to death in the second half,” Farrar said.

Tied at 3 at halftime, Harvard came out on fire after the break. The Crimson scored seven goals in the half while holding Fordham to only two.

“Our game plan didn’t quite happen in the first half, [but] in the second half, it all came together,” Ludwick said.

Ludwick scored four goals, while Livingston, the team’s leading scorer this season, added three of his own.

The turning point of the game midway through the second half, when Connolly was ejected for committing a foul on a breakaway.

Senior Michael Byrd filled in at goalie and made a great save to maintain Harvard’s 6-4 advantage.

“That was the decisive moment of the game,” Farrar said. “Had they scored there, that would have added a whole different complexion [to the game].”

Harvard gained a quick lead in the second half and then finished off the Rams with four unanswered goals to end the game.