Weeks of grueling preseason preparation and practice finally paid off this past weekend for the men's water polo team as it exorcised old demons, conquered perennial opponents and came away with the best season start in recent years.

Leading up to the round-robin tournament on Saturday, the Crimson practiced over six hours a day incorporating fitness testing with skills development and tactical preparation.

"Every player has worked his hardest and has encouraged his teammates," said Harvard Coach Jim Floerchinger. "It is one of the things that makes this team great."

No. 20 Harvard (3-1), whose only loss this weekend was to No. 14 UMass, was indeed great as it roared out of the gate on Saturday playing four consecutive games at Blodgett Pool.

Harvard 10, Boston College 3

In its first match-up of the day long tournament, Harvard took on familiar foe Boston College. In each of the last two years, the Eagles have handed the Crimson losses to begin the season. This year, however, a balanced attack and solid defense helped Harvard prevail over BC, 10-3.

Sophomore driver Istvan Zollei opened the Crimson onslaught with a Hungarian-style hat trick in the first quarter opening Harvard's lead to 4-0.

After the initial quarter, the Crimson unleashed its varied offensive arsenal as six different players scored the remaining six goals en route to the decisive 10-3 win.