“We’re not going to win if we give up 93 points again, no way,” Monti said.

While both Delaney-Smith and Monti said they were disappointed with the team’s shaky defensive performance and overall lack of intensity, other indicators pointed in the right direction.

Backup guards Dirkje Dunham and Rochelle Bell both showed signs that they were ready for more serious minutes. Dunham played half the game and hit a three-pointer, while Bell—a freshman—launched up treys with no fear. The freshman chipped in four steals in 10 minutes of action.

Peljto—the reigning Ivy League Rookie of the Year—shot well despite turning the ball over, and Cserny is turning into the type of player Harvard hoped for with her second straight double-digit scoring performance.

“We’ll be fine,” Monti said of Harvard. The Crimson was picked to finish first in the Ivy League in the preseason media poll.

The team’s next event is this weekend at Fairfield, Conn. Harvard will face Fairfield, Villanova and Quinnipiac in the Fairfield Invitational.