Brown junior Svetosar Stefeanovic was a key player for the Bears, with five goals, four steals, and five ejections drawn.

For Harvard, Katzer and freshman utility Max Murphy continued their strong play, both netting two goals apiece. Senior Evan Zepfel also contributed two goals.

In net, senior goalie Alex Popp held his own, stopping 13 shots from Brown in the losing effort, while also providing some offensive spark with two assists.

HARVARD 11, MIT 10 (OT)

Coming into this weekend, the Crimson’s focus was on the opening game against the Engineers, as a win would guarantee a spot in the Eastern tournament.

“While the regular season was important, we kind of looked at it as a way to gear us up for the big game, which was this past Saturday’s game against MIT,” Katzer said.

The team came out ready to go, having developed an extensive game plan throughout the week before. Harvard ensured it knew what its opponent would give them, both offensively and defensively.

“We wanted to make sure we did a good job against their weak side drop, offensively,” Minnis said. “Defensively, we wanted to make sure we had pressure on them at all times. It made it difficult for them to move and get comfortable in their ball-side drive offense.”

It was a tightly contested match throughout regular play, with no team pulling ahead by more than one goal at any time.

Popp had a huge game in net, contributing 13 saves and stopping two five-meter penalty shots.

“Alex has had a phenomenal year, and he maybe played his game of the year against MIT,” Katzer said. “The fact that he stopped those two point-blank really motivated the team.”

In overtime, co-captain Luka Babic netted a goal, his second of the game, and Katzer scored twice, completing the hat trick to send the Crimson into the semifinals. But overall, it was a team effort.

“I just wasn’t willing to let this game get away from us,” Katzer said. “I had a couple goals, but goals only happen if the five players in the pool are doing their job and making good passes.”

Two freshmen added to the winning effort as well. Attacker Evan Ramsey had two goals and four steals, and Murphy had two goals and two steals.

With two more weeks of water polo remaining, Harvard will look to build off this weekend in preparation for the final tournament of the season.

“Hopefully, we’ll get some big crowds and people out there to support our seniors and the rest of the team,” Minnis said. “It’ll be a lot of fun.”