The Harvard women’s water polo team began its West Coast swing with a burst of energy, but faded late, dropping three of its final four matches.

In addition to the talent of the California squads, the Crimson (6-10) faced a style of play the team does not usually encounter.

“Play changes on the West Coast because the refs allow for much more brutality,” sophomore Tina Codini said. “Our game plan has to change likewise because we have to be prepared to be pushed around by teams with bigger girls, and play tougher ourselves.”

“It’s a harder fight to even get down the pool, set up, get fouls and so on,” she added.

Claremont Colleges Tournament

Harvard exploded at the Claremont Colleges Tournament March 22 and 23, winning three-of-four—one game more than the squad had won all season.

On the opening day of competition, the Crimson posted a whopping 19 goals in two games, edging Santa Clara 9-8 before outlasting Claremont-Scripps 10-9.

Sophomore Teresa Codini notched more than half of Harvard’s goals on the day, finding the back of the net on 10 occasions—seven in the victory over the Athenas.

Of those seven, Teresa Codini saved the best—and most important—for last.

With 27 seconds remaining and the score knotted at nine, she took possession, reached back and let loose, beating the Claremont-Scripps keeper and wrapping up the victory.

Despite the positive results, the Crimson should never have been in a position to lose either matchup.

Harvard, with far more talent than either the Broncos or the Athenas, lost its focus and consequently needed to struggle for what should have been easy victories.

“The two close victories were wake-up calls,” captain Tiana Peterson said. “We eventually came back in the third and fourth quarters to win, which I believe is a big team accomplishment. It’s not easy to come from behind, but this team is tenacious and doesn’t give up easily.”

The Crimson’s only hiccup in the tournament came when it fell to Arizona State in Sunday’s first game.

Harvard managed to hold its own with the Sun Devils throughout, unlike their previous meeting during the first weekend of the season. On Feb. 16, the Crimson lost 8-2.