Huskies Hamper Stickwomen

Last year, the Harvard field hockey team surprised its critics--and even itself-by topping crosstown rival Northeastern.

This year, the Crimson team surprised its admirers-and itself-by faultering badly to the same Huskies.

Hampered by sluggish play on the offensive end, Harvard fell, 2-0, to Northeastern in front of a handful of spectators at Parsons Field. Unlike last year's 2-1 victory, the Crimson managed little offense-flinging a grand total of one shot toward the Notheastern goal.

"We didn't play at all up to our ability," forward Nicole Simourian said. "We just got to keep working hard and play consitently. We have think of every game as a new game. Today, we did not show our ability or potential. It was an inconsitent game."

Harvard goalie Denise Katsias, owner of five career shutouts, blanked Northeastern in the first half. But a shot off a penalty corner and, later, a penalty shot slipped past her in the second half, sending junior Katsias to her 17th career loss between the posts.

"We didn't go out today with the confidence we needed to win," admitted Katsias, who has started every game since her freshman year.

The loss evened the Crimson's record at 1-1, but more disappointing it put Harvard in a tough spot to capture the Boston Four title, an honorary crown sought annually by Boston College, Boston University, Harvard and Northeastern.

The four Boston-area teams play each other once every season and the team that emerges with the best record wins the crown. Last year, Harvard leapt out as one of the favorites to capture the crown, but subsequently stumbled to B.C. and B.U.

This year, at least, Harvard will be the underdog to capture the crown.

THE NOTEBOOK:Harvard's first four games of the season are on the road. The next game is Saturday at Providence. Harvard's first home game is October 3 against two-time defending Ivy champion Pennsylvania. Last year, the Crimson fell, 4-0, to the Quakers in Philadelphia. Two years ago at Soldiers Field, Harvard stumbled, 1-0.