In the 63rd minute, Casscells-Hamby streaked into the box, took a cross from freshman forward Lauren Varela, and directed the ball into the back of the net on one touch to extend Harvard’s lead to 3-1.

Casscells-Hamby leads the Crimson with five goals on the season, and is second with three assists. She would add her second assist of the game in the 68th minute in a give-and-go sequence with senior defender and Crimson sports executive Taryn I. Kurcz, who shot it off the left post and in to seal the win. Kanten praised Casscells-Hamby’s recognition of the situation and acute decision-making to help the team.

“It’s very important to pay attention to assists,” Kanten said. “A lot of players probably would’ve taken those shots themselves and may or may not have scored, but Meg saw the opportunity and passed the ball.... It’s a great example of how she’s a selfless player and has a team-first attitude.”

Casscells-Hamby, for her part, downplayed her individual accomplishments, and instead labeled the game a well-deserved team victory.

“It was just a great team performance,” Casscells-Hamby said. “None of the goals would’ve come if our defense wasn’t so great back there. We really just focused on our defense, and the offense eventually came.”

From here, the ultimate goal is to finish atop the Ancient Eight, but the team cannot look that far ahead, Casscells-Hamby explained.

“We’re just going to focus on the next game and not the title yet,” Casscells-Hamby said. “But as long as we keep working hard to get goals and keep winning, then everything will fall into place.”

No matter the course Harvard’s season takes from here, the team can count on Casscells-Hamby to play a pivotal role.

“We know that Meg will create chances for us no matter where she is,” Kanten said. “And that makes it very hard for other teams to deal with her.”