Captain Rick Offsay scored three goals in Harvard’s 17-9 season-opening win over Queens College. It was the debut for new coach Erik Farrar, who was hired by Harvard earlier this summer.

After a disappointing, injury-plagued 2003 season and a controversial coaching change, the status of the men’s water polo team was dubious at best.

When the Crimson starters entered the pool in the first game of the season Friday night against Queens College, they gave a decisive answer to silence those who doubted their resilience.

In its first seven minutes of play this season, Harvard’s offense aggressively attacked the Knights, scored nine goals and ultimately defeated Queens, 17-9.

But after its powerful resurgence, the offensive spark was snuffed out. In its remaining seven periods of play over the weekend, the Crimson (1-1) was outscored 31-19 by the Knights and its next opponent, No. 7 St. Francis. In its match against the nationally-ranked Terriers (8-2), Harvard suffered a 22-11 loss.

HARVARD 17, QUEENS 9

Defeating the 2003 Northern Division Champions—a team that prevailed over St. Francis in the championship game last year—would not have been possible without the stellar play of the Crimson offense during the first period.

The offense was keyed by senior co-captain Rick Offsay and senior Greg Marvin-Smith, who notched three goals apiece.

Sophomores John Voith and Mike Garcia and juniors Andrei Boros and Greg Valiant also put home two goals each while senior co-captain Mike Gerrity scored as well.

After gaining a commanding lead early, Harvard was able to use the opportunity to stretch its offensive legs. The team did not squander its chance to experiment with various combinations of players.

“We were able to get the guys with less experience in and try out new stuff,” Offsay said. “We worked on holding the ball until late in the shot clock and making crisp passes.”

Unfortunately, the guys with the least experience on the team, the freshmen, were unable to travel to New York for the games because of orientation.

Though the Crimson offense did slow down after its powerful start, the team continued to maintain its edge. Harvard controlled the pace of the game and focused on trying out different strategies and plays, instead of only on putting the ball in the net.

“The team has been training to play an intense four quarters,” Gerrity said. “Even with our lead, that is what we did.”

Offsay attributed the victory to the intense preparation of the team in the pre-season under the guidance of new head coach Erik Farrar.

The squad has been living and training together for a month now, practicing six hours a day.