Queens 5, Harvard 4

The most important game in Saturday’s action was Harvard’s loss to Queens. The Crimson started out strong in the first quarter, controlling the pace and nursing a 2-0 lead at the end of the frame.

But although Harvard continued to dictate the flow of the action in the second quarter, several defensive lapses opened the door for the Knights to get back in the game. They did so in a flourish, scoring five goals in the frame to escape the half with a 5-3 lead.

“I thought we played our best game of the season against Queens,” Schulte said. “But we had four of five breakdowns that cost us.”

The Crimson recovered defensively in the second half to hold the Knights scoreless, but wasn’t able to manufacture any goals until the fourth quarter to pull within one.

But the comeback would not be completed. Despite several chances in the closing minutes, the Knights were able to hold Harvard off in the clutch.

“We need to work on our offense there,” Zollei said. “I’m not saying that we would have won if we had gotten it to overtime, but with the home crowd, home pool and the extra session, we would have had every chance.”

If the Crimson takes care of Brown in Saturday’s opener, it may get another chance to upend the Knights in the semifinal and make a repeat appearance at Easterns.