“Irene and Jenna are great role models to the incoming freshmen on how to run down every ball and support all of their teammates even during big points,” Ringblom said. “Since they are only sophomores, I am very excited to see them grow as players this season and the next two years.”

HARVARD 7, HOWARD 0

In its first competitive action of the spring season, Harvard put forth a strong all-around performance against Howard. By the end of the day on Friday, the Crimson had claimed its first sweep since its victory over Providence in March of last year, 7-0. While the group certainly achieved a significant accomplishment, some shine should be taken off the win with Harvard’s path to success having been aided by two Bison forfeitures.

In the singles portion of the event, Ringblom kicked off her winning weekend with one of the more dominant victories of her Crimson career. Playing at the third position, the Palos Verdes Estates, Calif. native blanked Howard senior Sajela Harlow, 6-0, 6-0.

“Annika started this weekend with a bang,” Lu said. “She opened with a strong win over Howard, the first singles win of the season for the team. Annika continued to play at a high level throughout the weekend against George Washington and Maryland. She has been moving and hitting some of the best balls I have seen from her, and I am excited to see this momentum carry through the rest of the spring.”

Friedel, Gonzalez, Gupta, and Lu continued the trend for Harvard, each cruising to straight set victories against their respective opponents. The squad also collected its doubles point without much fuss, as it was undefeated in that portion of the match, as well.

The duos of Ringblom and Li and Mustafa and Lu both bested their Bison opponents in identical fashion, 6-2. Harvard’s final doubles match was a non-event, however, as Jasper and Gonzalez won by forfeit. Moustafa’s singles victory was also a forfeiture and helped the Crimson pick up its seventh and final point of the contest.

—Staff writer Jackson. M. Reynolds can be reached at jackson.reynolds@thecrimson.com.