In their first four games, Radcliffe Rugby allowed exactly zero points while scoring 112 of their own. Most would consider that domination, and most would expect them to win the tournament.

But on a chilly and wet Saturday, Quinnipiac handed the hosts of the Crimson 7s tournament a 22-10 defeat in the Cup championship game that one would guess felt much like the weather. Harvard, however, came off the field in resolute fashion, snatching the positives from the moist air.

“It was our first tournament so we weren’t really sure what to expect, but I thought that our team played together really well,” senior Claire Collins said. “We played the way we know how and with a lot of good communication, a lot of good passing, a lot of good tries, a lot of nice tackles.”

HARVARD 10, QUINNIPIAC 22

After seeing little resistance from opposition in the team’s first four games, the Crimson came out of the gate putting up little resistance of its own in the tournament final. Quinnipiac brought a level of play befitting of its title as two-time defending Division 1 national champion, outclassing the Harvard squad.

The Bobcats controlled the game from the opening possession and punched in its first try just three minutes into the game. The team failed all its conversions in the first half, but nonetheless controlled the game by notching two more scores, including one try driven in as time expired in the first half. It was apparent that the Crimson’s defense had simply not seen offense reaching Quinnipiac’s quality.

“I think that defense is the type of thing that until you get in the game you do not appreciate how hard it is, and now that we’ve gotten a taste of that I think we are going to work really hard to keep improving our defense,” Collins said.

This theme of adaptation was apparent even as early as the second half. Harvard freshman Robyn Besse knocked in a try to start off the period. On the ensuing kick-off Quinnipiac got pinned deep in its own zone and the Crimson’s improved defensive posture was able to absorb Quinnipiac’s fast ball movement and tight cutting, leading to a turnover. With 15 yards to the end zone, Harvard had the opportunity to jump back in the game with enough time to potentially complete a comeback.

But a fumble shortly after led to a long Quinnipiac march to the end zone and the effective ending of the game—the time lost hurt just as much as the converted try.

The theme of the tournament, however, was looking at the positives. Sophomore Caitlin Weigel created such a moment by punching one in as match time expired, leaving a good taste in Harvard’s mouth.

“To go out and to finish a last minute try like that was really wonderful, and I’m really, really proud of this team,” junior captain Maya Learned said. “I can’t wait to see where it’s going.”

HARVARD 12, WEST CHESTER 0

After punching in a quick converted try, courtesy of Weigel in the first two minutes of the match, Harvard and West Chester found themselves in a war of attrition. Much of the first half was taken up by procedural problems with uneven throw-ins and rucks. Freshman Delia Hellander almost struck with a 60-yard run, but was stopped just short of the end zone. The ball was fumbled out the back to close out the half.

This Cup semifinal game was perhaps the best example of the development that the Crimson went through during the one-day tournament, facing the biggest offensive threat so far. After the break, the Golden Rams had an extended period of possession deep in the Harvard territory. West Chester seemed primed to level the game at seven apiece, but a strong stand by the Crimson allowed the team to gain possession and seal the game with a last-minute score by Collins.

This finishing flourish was orchestrated in large part by one of only two seniors on Harvard’s active roster. It’s no coincidence that Collins was the one to bring her best after emerging from a trying situation.