Supported by a feisty home crowd, MIT capitalized in transition and frustrated the Harvard offense with steals and deflections.
While the Crimson was able to keep it close early in the first period with goals from Harrison, the Engineers muscled shots late in the frame to establish a commanding lead.
While MIT was able to convert on many of its offensive sets, the Crimson encountered difficulty finding the back of the net.
"You can’t get frustrated," Minnis said. "We don’t shoot that bad everyday, but you have to give credit to MIT and the way they played."
After opening a 9-4 lead at half time, the Engineers only increased their dominance in the second half. The hosts outscored the Crimson, 10-3, in the final two frames to complete the 19-7 rout.
"Any time a team jumps out on you early, it can be frustrating," co-captain Max Eliot said. "But we’re still working out the kinks of our offense and defense.
"We’re definitely looking forward to playing them a second time," he added. “We know we match up with them a few times this season, and we’re looking forward to it."
Field recorded seven saves in the defeat.
HARVARD 14, DIABLO VALLEY COLLEGE 12
In the opening game of the MIT Invitational Tournament, the Crimson defeated the Vikings, 14-12, behind three goals from Roller and Lee.
In the contest, Woolway finished with five saves.Diablo Valley College and Harvard traded goals in the first frame, setting the tone early for a competitive matchup.
At the beginning of the second period, a miscommunication and an errant pass from the Vikings resulted in Diablo Valley College scoring on its own goal, tying up the score at 2-2.
But just before halftime the Vikings scored a quick goal in transition to take the one-point lead, 7-6.Early in the second half, Harvard pulled ahead with timely goals from Harrison, but Diablo Valley College continued to apply defensive pressure and show patience on the offensive end to keep the match close.
At the end of the third frame, the Crimson maintained a three-goal lead over a patient Viking squad.Diablo Valley College’s two fourth-quarter goals proved insufficient to erase the deficit, giving the Crimson a win in its season opener.
—Staff Writer Joseph Pak can be reached at jpak@college.harvard.edu.