In a loss that eliminated the Harvard field hockey team from postseason contention, the Crimson (6-9, 2-3 Ivy League) was shutout by No. 9 Northeastern yesterday, 4-0.

"We had some chances," said senior Amy DiMarzio, a co-captain. "We threatened, but they're tough. They're very fast and go right to the goal."

Northeastern took a commanding 3-0 halftime lead and never allowed Harvard back in the game. The loss--Harvard's fifth blanking of the year--was the Crimson's second straight defeat and ensured a sub-.500 season.

Nevertheless, the team stayed composed in the loss.

"We stuck together, which was a positive note," DiMarzio said. "We played well. There were a couple of bad calls."

One call cited by DiMarzio led to a Northeastern goal. The referee did not call a high ball against Northeastern, and N.U. subsequently scored on a deflection off a player's foot.

"We argued it, and the ref argued back," said sophomore Dominique Kalil. "This suggested that she was possibly not entirely convinced herself.

"She was on the other side of the field. But there's nothing you can do, and there were three goals that are unaccounted for."

Harvard did not lack for scoring chances, though.

"We got in the circle numerous times," DiMarzio said. "There were a couple of times when we had numerous shots in quick succession. We had opportunities."

"All our passing patterns worked," Kalil said. "We had lots of talking on the field."

Harvard's used its speed to counter Northeastern's speed somewhat.

"Northeastern wasn't out of control," DiMarzio said. "We were with them."

On Saturday, Harvard will play another ranked team: No. 18 Dartmouth. Unlike Northeastern, which plays its home games on astroturf, Dartmouth is a grass team. Today, Harvard will begin preparing for this adjustment by practicing on the grass of Cumnock Field.

"Dartmouth is tough," DiMarzio said. "We can't take anyone lightly, as we've learned very well this year."

Boston University proved this on Tuesday by upsetting fifth-ranked Princeton.

This may portend encouraging results for the future. While Harvard lost to Princeton on Saturday, 3-0, the Crimson did edge B.U., 2-1 earlier in the season.

As the season winds down, though, Harvard must deal with unfulfilled expectations. The Crimson had hoped to build on the accomplishments of last year's team, which went 11-8 and advanced to the ECACs.

Nevertheless, Harvard can look back with some satisfaction.

"Northeastern was a Final Four team," Kalil said. "I don't think we've anything to be ashamed about."

"There was a great amount of talent on this team," DiMarzio said. "I expected us to do really well this season. But regardless, I still had a good time." HARVARD  0 NORTHEASTERN  4