"It's one thing to compete with a top-ten team, but it's another thing to actually finish and win," Harper said. "We weren't sure we could advance a step further as a top-ten team and finish against one before Wednesday."
Harvard figures to face a much easier task against Penn (4-5, 1-2) this weekend, although the team has struggled against weaker competition this year. None of Harvard's victories have come by more than three goals.
"When we play against good teams, we play our best, but we've played inconsistently against lesser teams," Harper said.
Tomorrow's contest will be the first of four straight Ivy League games for Harvard, which now must focus on improving its 0-2 conference record. After meeting Penn, the Crimson must travel to No. 3 Princeton and No. 11 Dartmouth, making a win tomorrow critical if Harvard hopes to stay near the top of the Ivy League.
A victory should also ensure Harvard a place in the national rankings for the first time this season, and help the team maintain its current momentum.
"We have a confidence that our team has never had before," Harper said. "Hopefully, that confidence will take us to the next level."