Losing to the Royals eliminated the Crimson for contention for one of the top four spots at the tournament, which carry automatic bids into ECACs. Harvard made the most of the rest of the tournament, however, posting impressive victories over B.C. and Iona to close the season.

Despite its final record, Harvard proved itself capable of brilliance.

"This was the most mature team I've seen in two years, and we were able to put it together for the final two games," said senior driver Chris Tilghman.

Although the Crimson can boast more depth than in previous years, replacing this senior class--Zimmerman, Tilghman, 2-Meter and defensive whiz Tom Chalberg and driver Sid Burke--will be a challenge, to say the least.

Zimmerman, the first Harvard water polo player ever to win All-America honors and the holder of the team's single-season scoring mark (101 goals, 21 assists in 1996), is perhaps the best player in the program's history, and will be sorely missed.

But adversity has become old hat for Harvard water polo. If 1998 carries a lesson for the Crimson, it is how to rebound.