Along with Krieger, Gibbons also stepped up for Harvard, scoring the goal that put his squad ahead, 9-8, with 8:17 left in the contest.

The Minutemen responded, tying the game at nine with 4:57 in regulation.

But Gibbons wasn’t done.  He scored yet again to complete his hat trick, and Krieger and the defense were able to shut down UMass for the remainder of the game to come out with the victory.

Freshman midfielder Daniel Eipp managed to add one more goal for good measure, sealing the 11-9 win.

“I was really proud of the way we played in the second half,” Wojcik said.

Key to the second-half comeback was the play of Gibbons, who has been on an offensive tear this season. The six-foot attackman has scored in all but one game for the Crimson this season for a total of 18 goals. His 29 points and 84  shots both pace Harvard.

The victory may also yield postseason implications, as Harvard looks to build its resume for an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament.

But for now, the Crimson is content with its spot at the top of Massachusetts men’s lacrosse.