Harvard’s scouting proved accurate, as the Crimson dictated play throughout, cruising to the 12-2 triumph.
Harvard 10, Iona 6<\b>
Harvard opened the tournament against the Gaels, which the Crimson had beaten, 3-1, the previous weekend when it hosted the ECAC Championships, finishing fifth out of six teams.
Iona played the favored Crimson close for the first half, but Harvard took control after intermission, winning 10-6.
All weekend, Harvard relied on its active help defense to keep it in games. If it is to succeed this weekend against the No. 13, 14, 15 and 16 teams in the country at Easterns, sophomore goalie Elana Miller, senior speedster Jill Ono and the rest of the Crimson will have to be even more stingy.
But, with this weekend’s winner earning a berth in the Final Four, Harvard thinks it has as good a shot as any of its more highly regarded competitors.
“As long as we play our game, we can definitely beat any team out there,” freshman Stephanie Frias said.