For a team used to disappointment, the Harvard men’s water polo squad is tired of hearing, “There’s always next year.”

After working to earn the second-seed in the Northern Division Championships hosted by Brown, the players realize there is no better time to win than now.

When the Crimson dives into the pool for its first match Saturday against Connecticut College at Northerns, it’ll have one goal in mind—win at all costs. The team’s success will depend in large part on its powerful offense led by co-captain Rick Offsay.

A Harvard victory over the Camels would earn it a berth in the Eastern Championships and the possibility of qualifying for the NCAA tournament.

“This is the game we’ve been training for all year,” said Harvard head coach Erik Farrar. “Qualifying for Easterns was one of the primary goals.”

THE ROAD LESS TAKEN

After a disappointing 4-14 finish last year, Farrar has turned the team around in his first year with the Crimson, leading it to a 6-1 record in the Northern division—tying its best finish ever.

The resulting second seed at Northerns, in turn, has provided Harvard with an easier path to Easterns.

All four teams that win their first game at Northerns automatically qualify for Easterns. The outcome of the remaining two games the Crimson will play at Northerns would determine seeding for Easterns.

“Our first and foremost goal is to win the first game,” Offsay said. “Then we’ll play as hard possible so we can ensure an easier game in the first round of Easterns.”

A more painless route through the Easterns would be highly desirable—the winner receives an automatic berth in the NCAA tournament.

“You have to essentially win the Easterns to make it to the NCAAs,” Farrar said. “Last year Navy won, but this year, it’s anybody’s guess.”

THE CAMELS’ HUMP

Before the Crimson can begin thinking about the Easterns or the NCAA tournament, it must take care of the Camels. Though it was routed by Harvard 17-3 at Blodgett Pool earlier this year, four weeks have elapsed since that game—giving Connecticut College ample time to think of ways to hold Harvard’s offense down.

“I think [the score] could be much closer this time,” Farrar said. “Connecticut College is significantly improved.”