Few would have guessed, though, that the Crimson (now 4-6 overall, 1-1 Ivy) would record back-to-back wins for the first time since its two season-opening victories a month ago, especially considering who was in town.
The sixth-ranked Minutemen entered averaging more than three goals a game and holding a mighty impressive 10-2 record.
"We knew what they were capable of," O'Neill said.
UMass just didn't know what the Crimson was capable of.
The squad that many considered the finest in Harvard field hockey history at season's start finally put together a solid defensive showing, and managed to record an impressive goal along the way.
Equally impressive was the play of Harvard freshman goalie Kristen Abely, who continues to improve--and impress--every time she takes the field.
Under constant assault from the sharp-shooting Minutemen, Abely turned away 14 UMass rockets to record her third shutout of the year and second in a row.
"I've been playing with a lot more confidence in these past two games," said Abely, whose teammates echoed that sentiment. "It's taken awhile for the defense to come together, but I think we've done it."
The Yardling got some strong help from the entire defense, which turned in what Mabrey called its best game of the year. More specifically, though, she got some terrific help from Mainelli, who shadowed UMass's high-scoring Pam Moryl all afternoon.
On the other end of the field, the Minutemen held the hosts in check, and if not for one quick Crimson flick of a wrist, the visitors might have left town with a scoreless tie.
Taylor averted that hope, however, when she took a feed from Mainelli midway through the second half, juked the UMass defender with an inside move, and then blasted the ball into the twines for the game-winner.
Harvard held off a late UMass rally, and that in turn set off a wild Crimson celebration that O'Neill promised would last at least a few days.
Or at least until Saturday.
THE NOTEBOOK: Junior Linda Run started her first game in several contests yesterday, turning in a performance that's almost bound to keep her in the starting lineup.