However, UMass opened the second half with yet another scoring barrage, running off another 4-0 quarter in the third. Minuteman goalkeeper J.R. VanderWall stifled the Crimson defense on his way to a 12-save game.

"We pretty much showed up waiting for the game to come to us," Floerchinger said. "We know what we're capable of, and really didn't approach it at any point in these games."

The Crimson was more competitive in the fourth quarter. In the final frame, Harvard outscored the Minutemen, 5-2, and salvaged something from an otherwise disappointing weekend.

UMass junior Adam Moore finished with a hat trick, and two other Minutemen added two apiece.

Istvan Zollei was spectacular in defeat. The sophomore driver scored five goals in Harvard's losing effort.

"I thought that we still proved that we could play with them," Elke said. "Take away the first quarter, and we've got a game. The next one will be a big test, and we're looking forward to it."

Elke and the Crimson won't have to wait very long. The third chapter in the Crimson's season-long Minuteman marathon will take place next week at Blodgett Pool.