The results did not improve as the Crimson headed to Pomona, losing 7-4 to the Hens.

Keyser again led the Harvard attack, scoring twice.

Rather than being overpowered, the Crimson fell on account of mental lapses.

“We were not mentally prepared to play our strengths against a team that could have been easily beatable,” Tina Codini said. “I think that if we strengthen our mental game that we can beat most any team on the East Coast.”

Journey Home

Returning to more familiar territory, Harvard traveled to Providence to take on Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) foes Brown (10-4) and Connecticut College, falling to the Bears yet again, but brushing aside the Camels with ease.

Against Brown, the Crimson initially made a strong showing and entered halftime tied at five.

“Brown was dropping off our outside shooters, which enabled us to score,” Peterson said. “Then they changed their defense and started being much more physical, pressing us extremely hard, and we weren’t able to adjust.

“They changed their offense into a double set, which we weren’t expecting and only fixed too late,” she added.

The Bears’ defense clamped down, shutting out the previously potent Harvard offense.

At the other end of the pool, the Crimson surrendered four goals, falling 9-5.

“Brown stepped up the intensity and brutality during the second half that we just didn’t fight through,” Tina Codini said.The team’s passion was restored against Connecticut, as Harvard whaled on the Camels, winning 10-2.

As against Occidental and in previous games against Connecticut College, the Crimson shuffled its lineup and rotated players into positions they do not normally play.

“It was fun because we got to bring the goalies out of the cage and into the field,” Tina Codini said. “[Junior goaltender] Elana Miller even scored a goal.”

Harvard returns to action Saturday at the ECAC Championships, hosted by Princeton.