"I'm optimistic," said lacrosse coach Bruce Munro, "we've got some good people out here. But the performance of the team as a whole is untried, untested, and unknown."

If Munro didn't have 13 returning lettermen from last year's Ivy co champions, his optimism would be completely unfounded. For in three week of practice, the weather has allowed his team outdoors only twice. The rest of the practices have been held in Briggs Cage, where, according to Munro, "the visibility is poor and the space just inadequate."

Last night the team held its first scrim mage. But it was only a half-field practice, since they had to set up nets on the Solders Field pitcher's mound.

Although he has never seen the varsity in a full-field scrimmage, Munro a almost sure he has makings of a first division contender. Out of the first squad of last year's team, he is getting back his goalie and two-thirds of the attack and defense. But to judge the midfield and the depth, he will have to wait and see.

Like the team itself, the attack line is strong at the ends and weak in the center, Dick Ames made first-string All-Ivy last year and led the team and the League in scoring. Together with veteran Ted Leary he should strain, the peripheral vision of enemy goalies. The only uncertainty is on the crease, where "Bo" Willard is competing with sophomores Steve Neubert and Keith Hutchinson for the job.

One factor in the success of last year's varsity was the scoring punch added by the midfield, but this year's attack may not receive that backing. Only Dexter Newton and Larry Palmer have returned from the first two midfields, and they have yet to develop into real scoring threats. Although Jan Bollinger, Bruce Caputo, and Mike Leahy are three other lettermen, the man who will probably join these two in the first line is a junior who hasn't played in two years. A series of concussions halted his freshman career, but Harry Van Oudenallen has now received medical clearance to resume the game.

Defense is Storng

The defense is solid and experienced. Captain Fred Gates' combination of stick-handling and speed earned him a spot on the All-Ivy second squad. He and varsity football end Dan Calderwood will be the twin pillars of the most reliable line on the team.

As last season's regular goalie, Ormand Hammond shares their reliability. A litle weak on his clears last year, he was expecting competition until sophomore Bob Norton broke his collarbone in the first outdoor practice. Hammond will be backed up by Peter Fine.

The lacrosse team will meet its first test in. Its Southern trip next week; the competition includes some of the toughest squads in the country. A win over Maryland and Navy would be an upset--Rutgers and Baltimore should be easier.