With the rising energy, the first-years took over.

Freshman Kelly Blondin took first in the 200-yard breaststroke before classmates Laurin Weisenthal and Wilson held off four Quakers for a 1-2 finish in the 500 freestyle.

“[Wilson] really had a comeback swim,” Stapleton said. “She was third about halfway through and almost caught the girl who won.”

The gritty performance torpedoed what could have been a golden opportunity for Penn to cut into Harvard’s lead, but ultimately provided additional motivation for the Crimson.

“It was a turning point in the meet,” Wilson said. “We had lost a few events beforehand and we were concerned about whether or not we would win the meet.”

Stacy Blondin captured the 100 butterfly for her second win of the day, eking out a 0.52-second victory two events before freshman LeeAnn Chang left opponents in her wake with a 2.36-second victory in the 200-yard individual medley, guaranteeing the Crimson victory.

Harvard now towels off for winter break before returning to Blodgett Pool on Jan. 10 for a meet with crosstown foe Northeastern.

—Staff writer Timothy J. McGinn can be reached at mcginn@fas.harvard.edu.