The loss was the seventh straight for the Crimson, and one of many in which the team squandered a first-half lead.

"We're a young team, and we don't always know how to win," Buttles said. "It's been difficult for us to put teams away."

"We are young, but we can't use that as an excuse," Anderson said. "This season we began to doubt our ability to hang onto a win, and that attitude is self-destructive."

Despite its youth and lack of depth, the Crimson remains upbeat for next year.

"I've go to give this team credit," Anderson said. "They've been excited for every game, and that can be hard to do. We gained a lot of experience this year, and that will make us better."

"We're in a unique position," Buttles said. "We only lose one player and we know we have the talent to have a great season next year."

Captain Ethan Oberman played his last collegiate contest Saturday. Oberman, a solid defensive presence for the Crimson all season, was the only senior on this year's squad.

"Ethan has been an excellent captain," Sprong said. "He's played through nagging injuries and has always been there for us."

"He was put in a difficult role as the only senior," Buttles said. "I really admire the job he did, and we'll miss him a lot."

DeVries agreed with Buttles in assessing the team's prospects without Oberman.

"The potential is there, no doubt," DeVries said. "As individuals and as a team we need to improve, but the pieces are there."