It eventually went into a tiebreak in which the Crimson rookie earned a tight victory to seal the fourth team point, 6-2, 7-6 (7-4). Norton improves to 9-4 this year at No. 3.

“Kristin Norton clinched the match for us,” Green said. “We are really excited about coming away with the win.”

The matches following the decisive effort were no less exciting, as Harvard battled for every point it could get.

Rosekrans began her match against Melissa McQueen with a quick 6-2 victory but lost the second set by the same margin, pushing the match into a decisive third set.

But the captain was able to return to her winning ways in the final set to earn another 6-2 victory.

“It was a really exciting, back-and-forth match,” Green said. “Her opponent was playing really well, but Sam took control of the third set.”

No. 54 Cao improved to 10-2 at No. 1 this season with a 6-2, 7-5 win.

“Holly Cao is one of a kind,” Green said. “She’s been playing well.”

Cao missed the opportunity to play Fresno State’s top player, No. 10 Anastasia Petukhova, who has been out with an injury for the past month.

To complete the Crimson’s shutout, freshman Alexandra Lehman faced a tough match at No. 5, where she played for the first time this season. After winning the first set, 6-2, she dropped the next one, 6-3.

In the final set, with the score tied 5-5, Lehman won the next two games to claim the victory.

“She was using a lot of energy out there,” Green said. “Her mental toughness really pulled her through.”

Leaving California with a 2-1 record, Harvard will come home to begin Ivy League play beginning on Apr. 2.

“[The trip] was great for our squad,” Green said. “I think everyone improved. We will try to build on that momentum in the Ivy season.”

“We’re all really pumped up for the Ivies,” Tachibana said. “I think we’re ready.”

—Staff writer Eric L. Michel can be reached at emichel@fas.harvard.edu.