Harvard's tennis team returned from its recess tour of the South with an indication of its strong potential. But the health of several top players early this spring will greatly influence the Crimson's chances for an Eastern League title.

Playing 14 matches in a week, the Crimson developed depth at the bottom of both the singles and doubles ladders. Sophomores Randy Barnett and Peter Briggs showed the most improvement and would be a solid third doubles team this spring. Individually, Barnett is now playing at number four singles for Harvard while Briggs and Bill Brock are battling for the fifth position.

But at the top of the singles ladder, both captain Bill Washauer and senior Joe Cavanagh were hampered by injuries. Washauer is still showing the effects of a January knee operation for calcium deposits. Cavanagh, who has decided to postpone surgery on his shoulder until after the tennis season, found that his arm stiffened after competition.

"Washauer will jell," coach Jack Barnaby said, "but it's still a question of whether he will be psychologically confident and ready for next week's big matches with Columbia, Penn, and Princeton."

"Cavanagh is a tough competitor, he rises to the occasion," Barnaby said. "Look what he did during the hockey season with calcium deposits in his shoulder. He might do the same for us."

The tennis ladder could be further altered by the appearance of sophomore Dick Berner. He missed the southern tour because of a case of mononucleosis last fall, but Berner may receive clearance from the doctors for the remainder of the season.

If Berner joins the squad, he will team with Washauer at second doubles and battle Briggs and Brock for a singles slot.

"This is a team without a superstar," Barnaby said, "but we should have solid depth. We can't be called the favorite, but no team can overlook us."