men's lacrosse
Freshman midfielder Garrett Schabb makes things difficult for his Denver opponent.
Greg Cohen
All for net: Harvard attackman Greg Cohen ’07 tumbles to the turf after sending the ball through the legs of Denver goalie Jeb Hollingsworth. The goal was called back, though Cohen later netted the game-winning tally in the third overtime. (Staff photos Jon Chase/Harvard News Office)

Nearly a year to the day of the Harvard men’s lacrosse team’s 9-8 loss in the Mile High City, the Crimson squad – hosting the University of Denver on April 1 – avoided being cast the fool a second time around, clipping the Pioneers, 8-7. No small feat either, considering the Cambridge crew withstood 44 shots from the 14th-ranked visitors over four periods of regulation and 10:45 of overtime. All that in addition to having a handful of goals thrown out, including a controversial, near buzzer beater by attackman Greg Cohen ’07 at the end of regulation.

Fortunately, Harvard’s last goal was clean and clear, as a seemingly vengeful Cohen lunged across the crease with 1:15 left in the third OT before firing the game-winner past goalie Jeb Hollingsworth. The goal – his second on the afternoon – put an end to the 90-minute-plus affair, improving the Crimson to 4-2 (1-0 Ivy) on the season. The win also marks Harvard’s second straight against a top 20 opponent. On March 25, the Crimson outshot a then 14th-ranked Penn squad, 13-8.

Cohen
Cohen protects the ball from Denver midfielder Rory Shepherd.

Recent Rookie of the Week selection, midfielder Max Motschwiller ’09, scored two unassisted goals in the win on his way to completing a hat trick. Splitting goaltending duties, Evan O’Donnell ’08 and Joe Pike ’09 combined for 18 saves.

Next up, the Harvard men host No. 2 Cornell this Saturday (April 8) at 1 p.m. The Big Red (6-1; 1-1 Ivy) dropped its first game of the season to Penn, 8-6, just as the Crimson were in action against Denver.

goal!
Harvard midfielder Zach Wibdin ’08 may be flat on his back, but he’s just scored against Denver goalie Jeb Hollingsworth.