Harvard scored at the end of the game to win a key NIRA game on the road at Dartmouth, securing themselves as the #1 seed going into the playoffs.
This was a bit of a slog of a game in cold, wet conditions. While both teams wanted to play some wide open rugby, it wasn't easy to accomplish and as the game progressed it became more of a forwards' game.
Harvard took an early lead as wing Lennox London went over for a try, which set them up for a 7-0 lead. Dartmouth responded with a try from Abby Kayser in the backs and the teams changed ends tied 7-7. Both sides had been defending well, but the conditions also made it difficult to send the ball wide quickly.
In the early going of the second half, Harvard put Dartmouth under pressure. A half-break from flyhalf Brogan Mior set them up to camp out in the Dartmouth 22, and eventually the forwards took it over the line under the posts. The Big Green defenders hung tough, through, and held the ball up. Harvard had a penalty, though and once again pressure the Dartmouth line. Dartmouth's defense was outstanding, however, and when Harvard went wide they stole the ball and kicked clear.
Harvard began to work their way back, mostly passing just once and attacking interior channels. Finally the Crimson sent it quickly through the hands of Mior, Tiahna Padilla, and Olyvia Snyder, who slid in at the corner to make it 12-7.
Dartmouth responded well but the Harvard defense in their 22 was solid and their kicking game meant Dartmouth had to continually reload from midfield. Eventually a high-tackle penalty led to a quick tap and run, but again Harvard got out of if.
Well into the second half a penalty for Dartmouth led to a lineout and maul for the Big Green, and after a couple of surges to the tryline, including a powerful run from hooker Asi Meni, prop Cindy Taulava picked up, stayed low, and made the line.
