“There’s no doubt we missed three open nets,” Caples said. “Some days that happens and it’s unlucky.”

While the Crimson returns last year’s celebrated defense, it has a few kinks to work out before facing the foes to come.

“I think we gave New Hampshire a lot of opportunities,” Caples said. “Their dangerous play, their shots, their corners were off of mistakes that we will need to eliminate if we’re going to be able to achieve our opportunities and our goals this year.”

Sophomore Katie Zacarian, a second team All-Ivy selection last year, held off New Hampshire’s attack with 15 saves, including impressive back-to-back saves in the first half of the game. Zacarian continues to demonstrate her prowess by foiling one-on-one plays, coming out of goal at the right times, and stopping shots from high flicks to drives across the circle.

Zacarian is supported by her strong defense, in which junior Katie Scott and senior Sarah Luskin stood out. The Crimson’s attack was aided by the defense’s potent clears out of Harvard’s end and several blatant steals from the Wildcats in the midfield.

“Jen Ahn [has been] really solid and consistent in the midfield, really a nice playmaker,” Caples said.

But while the Crimson put forth a good effort against the Wildcats, it was far from its best.