Twelfth Straight Ivy Title Is Only the Beginning

For 11 years running, Coach Carole Kleinfelder has led the Harvard women's lacrosse team to the coveted Ivy League title.

And if you believe in preseason polls, this season should be no different: the Crimson is ranked third in the nation.

Three All-Americans return to anchor this year's squad--Co-Captains Ceci Clark and Sarah Leary and Junior Liz Berkery.

Adding her services to this powerful triumvirate is the 1991 Ivy League Rookie of the Year, Francie Walton.

But while the Crimson is powerful on offense, opponents may find an Achilles heel in the backfield. The graduation of three defensive starters has left behind an untested Crimson defense.

Nonetheless, Kleinfelder is determined to whip her young defenders into championship-caliber shape.

Coming off a recent eight-game preseason tournament at William and Mary College, the squad is still "a little rusty," according to Kleinfelder, who cites the "brutal weather" of Cambridge as one factor which makes the season "difficult to get started."

"I wouldn't say we have tremendous depth this year," Kleinfelder said." We're solid, but it's lean."

Hi-Octane Offense

Last year's offensive punch was largely provided by Berkery, who led the team with 55 total points on 45 goals and 10 assists.

With senior Buffy Hansen joining Berkery on the attack, this formidable offensive tandem is sure to give opposing goaltenders fits.

Meanwhile, Harvard's midfield is controlled by the play of Walton, senior Becky Gaffney, and sophomore Sarah Downing. Last season, these three midfielders contributed a combined 57 points on 44 goals and 13 assists.

"Sarah Downing has come out a lot stronger," Kleinfelder said. "And I'm looking for a good year from Becky Gaffney--she's got it in her. She's sturdy and overlooked as a player."

Defense Only Worry

So the Crimson's only worry at present is its defense.

But while a concern does exist, it is not one to lose too much sleep over.

"I have a lot of faith in our defense," Hansen said. "They're young people who are great athletes. I don't see a huge problem there."

With leadership provided by Clark and goaltender Leary, the remainder of the defensive unit hopefully gel quickly and establish a much-desired airtight defense.

As the final line of protection, Leary consistently provides incomparable play between the poles.

Last season, the goalie amassed 160 saves with a save percentage of .687--opposing teams averaged a mere 5.17 goals against Leary.

If necessary, her ability would be enough to carry a less-than-stellar defense for much of the season.

"We're a young team, but we're slowly gelling," Hansen said. "We're a unified team--we work well together."

Strength of Schedule

This season, the Ivy League fields several impressive squads--among them, Princeton, Yale and Dartmouth.

"This is the Ivy's strongest year," Kleinfelder said. "The league showed well at William and Mary."

But nonetheless, Harvard still looks to seize its twelfth straight Ivy crown.

"It's not unrealistic to think we might be in the run for the title," Kleinfelder said. "If the league is strong, winning will serve us well in post-season play."

"I'd like to say we'd win the Ivy League--it's a definite goal," Hansen said. "And I'd like to make it to the NCAA tournament."

For the Crimson, the road begins on Saturday as the team travels to Pennsylvania for its season opener.

It's so easy to take a championship team for granted. Another season, another Ivy title...is it too much to ask?