Laxwomen Look to Remain Perfect; Meet Wildcats Today

These days, the Harvard women's lacrosse team (4-0 overall, 2-0 Ivy) is hardpressed to find something to complain about.

Four games into the season, the squad has shown that it not only can win its contests, it also decimates the competition.

"It doesn't surprise me that we're where we are right now," Harvard Coach Carole Kleinfelder said. "What surprises me are the margins that we're winning by."

Thus far, the team has destroyed its opponents by an average of nine goals each game.

However the Crimson can't afford any let-downs--especially with a powerful New Hampshire (1-1) squad invading Ohiri Field this afternoon.

Revenge will be in the air when Harvard faces the Wildcats. UNH defeated the Crimson twice last season, both times by a slim margin of one.

The second defeat kept Harvard out of the NCAA Final Four, spoiling the team's hope to repeat as national champion.

"UNH will be a tough game for us," Kleinfelder said. The players "can't be afraid to put themselves on the line."

If the Crimson can stay in the game psychologically, a victory over the pesky Wildcats will be likely. UNH is definitely beatable this season, having already dropped a decision to the Big Green of Dartmouth.

Senior Alita Haytayan provides firepower for the Wildcats while senior Christina Hansen defends the net.

Rutgers

Harvard travels to New Jersey on Sunday to take on the lowly Scarlet Knights. Last year, the Crimson tore apart Rutgers 16-0.

Rutgers is currently rebuilding its team, having nearly lost its women's lacrosse program two years ago. Sunday's contest will most likely be a lopsided Harvard victory.

"They're still a couple of years away from being competitive," Kleinfelder said. "But they'll make it because they've dedicated themselves to the program."

In early season contests, Harvard has shown its talent and ability to be formidable indeed. In fact, the squad has looked to be in mid-season form right from the start.

Named the Ivy League offensive player of the week for the second straight week, junior Liz Berkery continues to lead the Harvard attack, averaging nearly six goals per game.

"She's taken a step up from last season," Kleinfelder said. "She's faster, quicker, and stronger."

Sophomore midfielder Sarah Downing and senior Elizabeth Hansen add to the explosive Crimson firepower.

Defensively, there is no question that preseason concerns have abated. Sophomore Francie Walton, senior Becky Gaffney and senior Co-Captain Ceci Clark regularly shut down opposing attacks.

And Co-Captain Sarah Leary has been monstrous in goal. She leads the Ivy League with 22 saves on a.759 save percentage.

"I didn't expect the team to gel so quickly. Everyone's putting in a tremendous amount of effort," Kleinfelder said.