"I was very nervous my first game back against Princeton," Springer said. "And when the game went to overtime, I was just glad that my first game back was finally over."

Despite a collarbone that hadn't completely healed, Springer led Harvard to a string of narrow victories over playoff opponents to advance to the semi-finals against Brown.

Late in that game, Springer took a hard hit from a Bears' forward and re-injured her collarbone.

"The doctor told me that if I took a hit in the wrong way there was a chance that it might break again," Springer said. "However, it was a risk that you have to play with sometimes."

Although the first injury served as a learning experience for Springer, the second break is still hard to talk about.

The Crimson went on to defeat Brown and advanced to the finals, where they claimed their first national title. However, Springer was still left wanting.

"I don't know how to describe it and what I feel I missed," Springer said. "It was just so incredibly frustrating. The finals were the day after and I couldn't do much. I was so happy for the rest of the girls, but I couldn't join in the celebration with them all bandaged up."

Springer's missed opportunity, however, has rekindled her fire for the coming season.