Monica Zdrojewski

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- The Harvard University women's water polo team saw both sides of a one-goal result defeating Santa Clara University, 8-7, earlier in the day before dropping a 12-11 decision to California State University-Monterey Bay down the road in the evening.

After allowing three unanswered goals in the second period against Santa Clara to trail, 5-2, at halftime, the Crimson got three goals of its own in the third frame to tie it at five-all. Harvard would take a two-goal lead in the final stanza at 7-5 before the Broncos got two scores of their own to knot it at 7-7. Junior Monica Zdrojewski scored the final goal to put the Crimson up for good with 17 seconds left, lifting Harvard to the win.

The Crimson got two goals apiece against Santa Clara from Devan Kennifer, Shayna Price and Zdrojewski, as well as single tallies from Shannon Purcell and Aisha Price.

Later in the day in Seaside, Calif., Harvard would itself fall in the final seconds, watching a go-ahead goal from Alex Tyrell find the back of the net with 17 seconds left in the fourth period to give Cal State Monterey Bay a 12-11 victory.

The Otters were ahead throughout the first half, leading by as much as four goals at one point. Both teams posted three goals in the second quarter as Cal State Monterey Bay held an 8-6 lead at the break. Harvard outscored the Otters 3-1 in the third quarter with Aisha Price scoring two of the goals.

Release courtesy Harvard Athletic Communications