It's always good to come home.

After disappointing road losses to Army and Pennsylvania over spring break, the Harvard men's lacrosse team pulled out a win yesterday at Ohiri Field, defeating Vermont, 8-7.

The Crimson improved its record to 2-4 overall and avenged last year's shocking 7-6 loss to the Catamounts (1-4) with a combination of composed offense and tough defense.

Even though Vermont rarely fields strong teams (this year is no exception), Harvard has been plagued all year by offensive problems, and with a slew of injuries devastating its lines, the Crimson could take nothing for granted.

Ball Control

For most of the game, the Crimson offense was able to control the ball better than it has all year.

And coupled with another good game from the defense, Harvard's attackers delivered.

"We were really composed today," Co-Captain Paul Faust said. "The ball movement went very well, and the young guys are getting a feel for things."

Faust continued to run the Crimson offense, leading the team yesterday with two goals and one assist.

"[Faust] has really been playing well. He's a solid offensive leader," Anderson said.

With crippling injuries to the offense, Anderson said the team needed production from all its players.

It got it. Six different players collected points.

"For 30 minutes, we possessed the ball well," senior attacker Chip Linehan said. "In the last quarter we panicked a little but brought it back into control in the final minutes."

Four Goals

Harvard allowed the Catamounts to score four of their seven goals in the fourth quarter, and only a last minute-surge prevented Vermont from stealing the game.

The Catamounts pulled within one at 7-6, but sophomore midfielder Mike Agrilio scored the deciding goal, and despite another Vermont tally with under three minutes to go, the Crimson held on to win the game.

"We're still not a great shooting team," Anderson said. "We lost discipline in the fourth, but with all the injuries and difficulties we've had lately, this was a very good effort."

"One thing I like a lot about this team is that we stay with people," Anderson added.

Less Than 10 Goals

The Crimson defense continued to play solidly, again preventing opponents from scoring over 10 goals.

Senior goalie Chris Miller had 17 saves and was helped by outstanding play from senior defender Mike Tauckus, junior defender Eric Bentley and defensive midfielder Chad Prusmack.

HARVARD, 8-7 at Ohiri Field Vermont  1  1  1  4  --  7 Harvard  3  2  2  1  --  8

G: Vermont--Mike Jordan, Wil Tidman, Craig Steward, Frank Shipman, Andy Morse, David Giarusso, Rob Leland, Rob Jamison; Harvard--Paul Faust (2), Mike Porter (2), Mike Agrillo (2), Chip Linehan, Chad Prusmack. A: Vermont--Jordan, Tidman, Shipman; Harvard--Faust, Spencer Rice. S: Vermont--Scott Bevill 13; Harvard--Chris Miller 17.