Momentum from its thrilling victory over No. 7 B.U. could not carry the Harvard women's lacrosse team over Penn as the Crimson gave the Quakers a 13-8 victory on Saturday at Jordan field.
The Crimson's (5-4, 0-3 Ivy) game was spotted with missed catches and turnovers, including five turnovers caused by Quaker sophomore Crissy Book. Harvard defensive lapses also allowed Penn a six-goal scoring run in the first half.
Penn's (5-5. 2-2 Ivy) defense proved impenetrable. The Crimson often circled futilely around the fan, unable to move in on goal.
"We didn't work together as a team," said co-captain Megan Austin. "We never let up, but we couldn't sustain any momentum that we built."
The Crimson opened the half positively with a goal from sophomore Katie Shaughnessy just 1:06 into the game. But Penn's goal 36 seconds later was the beginning of a six-goal scoring run that would be the fatal stroke against Harvard.
"We were coming off of two really tough games," Austin said. "We've had a lot of emotion and a lot of mental toughness in the last two games, but we just weren't there mentally today."
The Quakers took advantage of the Crimson's wide defensive lapses while Harvard left Penn's defense untested for 20 valuable minutes of the first half. Passes from behind goal from Penn sophomore Alison Polk-Williams combined with two low corner shots past sophomore goalkeeper Nora Guyer propelled the Quakers to a large lead.
Quaker junior Traci Marabella shined in the midfield as well as in the fan with a free-position goal and another off of a high right shot from a crease-roll.
Read more in Sports
Life of Brian: Walsh Pays Tribute to Senior ClassRecommended Articles
-
Booters, Penn Play To Scoreless TieAn old sports adage states that one plays to the level of one's opponent. Witness actor Vincent Van Patten beating
-
W. Soccer Pulls out OT Win Over Penn, 2-1When an athlete consistently performs at his or her peak level, good things are bound to happen. Co-captain Beth Zotter's
-
Squash Defeats First of Killer P'sHarvard men's and women's squash teams embarked on the most important weekend of their respective seasons, as they headed to
-
W. Hoops Watches Penn Make HistoryThe Harvard women's basketball team had hoped it could prevent a Penn Ivy title celebration at Lavietes on Saturday, but
-
W. Lacrosse Dominates in 9-8 Season OpenerDespite blustery conditions and plowed snow at Jordan Field on Saturday, the Harvard women's lacrosse team had to worry about
-
W. Lax Still Winless in IviesThe Harvard women's lacrosse team picked up its fifth Ivy League loss 10-6 against No. 10 Dartmouth last night on