The speed of the Hawks had been frustrating the Crimson backs throughout the game. The Crimson defense responded well, handling the attack at midfield, but was still outshot 13-8.

"We really played about as well as we can today," junior Caitlin Costello said. "Coach Wheaton told us this is the best game we've played all year. We gave 100 percent, and were just unlucky in the end."

Despite its top-notch play, the Crimson found itself playing catch-up midway through the first half.

Skard was the sparkplug for the Hawks's first goal in the 23rd minute. She fed a pass to fellow Scandinavian Jeanette Akerlund, who beat two Harvard defenders and then fired a near post shot from just inside the six.

Harvard's response to the Hawk goal was indicative of its tough play all game. The Crimson shut down the strong Hartford attack and began to dominate.

"We got right back in there," Costello said. "It was so neck and neck throughout the game."

In the 53rd minute, sophomore midfielder Orly Ripmaster served a ball from the right sideline to Costello, stationed in front of the goal. She flicked a pass on to super sophomore Joey Yenne, who rifled the ball past the outstretched hands of the Hartford goalie for the equalizer.