The Harvard women's water polo team went west into the wilderness this weekend and came back with two wins out of three of Massachusetts.

The Crimson (6-5 overall) trounced host UMass on Friday, 16-4, but then lost to Queens, 7-6, in a hard-fought, physical match. On Saturday Harvard bounced back to defeat MIT, 14-6, in the weekend's final match.

Harvard was set back by the absence of junior Tri-Captain Jennifer Gahan. Due to illness, the high scoring driver missed the victory over UMass and the loss to Queens. Gahan was able to return to action on Saturday.

The Crimson was also hindered in Friday's games by the absence of sophomore starting goalie Veronica Hackethal.

"Sophomore Amber Keasey and Katie Maloney really stepped up and did a good job for us in the goal," Coach Nancy Nitardy said. "This is the first year in the goal for both of them, and they both were real solid."

Nitardy also lauded the efforts of senior Tri-Captains Liz Brummond and Bridget Lyons. Brummond had 12 goals on the weekend, including five in the UMass rout, and eight assists. Lyons netted seven goals over and a team-high nine assists.

"Liz and Bridget had their normal outstanding games. They are two of our top offensive players, and they are solid every game," Nitardy said. "Opponents are beginning to key on them, and that frees up other members of our offense."

Key players stepping to the fore include junior Aimee "Killer" Hendrigan, whose left-handed game is a key advantage on the perimeter. Nitardy and Brummond also mentioned junior Lynne Kelley.

"Lynne is a varsity swimmer, and her speed allows her to get open a lot," said Brummond.

"This is Lynne's first year playing water polo, and she is fast becoming a big offensive threat," Nitardy said.

Even Kelley's speed was no match for the physical Queens team.

"Queens was very physical, and it threw us off our game. It was the dirtiest game I have ever played in. I don't know what they were playing, but it sure wasn't water polo," Brummond said.

Both Brummond and Nitardy blamed the officials for allowing the game to be so physical.

"The were rookie official, and they were letting a lot of things get by that won't in most games," Brummond said.

Saturday's grudge match against MIT was a different story. Harvard faced MIT earlier in the season, losing 9-8 while missing some of the starters. This time the Crimson was at full strength, buoyed by the return of both Hackethal and Gahan.