A strong group of sophomores from last year's 8-1 freshman team has given Harvard's lacrosse team the depth it needs to press Cornell for the Ivy League title this spring.

For perhaps the first time ever, coach Bruce Munro can feel confident when any of his first four midfields is on the field. And if his team incurs as many injuries as usual on the spring trip, Munro will have good substitutes to move into starting positions.

The Crimson will complete its exhibition schedule with a round-robin Saturday on the Business School Field against Wesleyan, Boston Lacrosse Club, and Tufts, and then head South for games against Rutgers and Navy. So far, Harvard has topped M.I.T., 10-6; Boston State, 17-1; and has tied Brown, 5-5.

Among the top sophomores are John Hagerty. Charlie Kittredge, and Steve Milliken, all of whom will start. Hagerty was the top scorer for the freshmen with a phenomenal 49 goals and will join captain Rick Frisbie and Charlie Scott on the first midfield. Milliken, who was second in scoring behind Hagerty, will be on the first attack with veterans Phil Zuckerman and Cle Landolt.

Kittredge is an exceptional defenseman, but his attendance at practices is slightly erratic. He, too, will be with two returning lettermen-Don Cogel and Bill Bennett. "Kittredge can beat anyone, one on one," goalie John Cosentino said yesterday.

The second midfield of Verdi DiSesa, Bob Green, and Bucky Hayes is almost on a par with the first line. Behind them is the group of Leif Rosenberger, Ted Campbell, and John Powers, while the fourth midfield is Line Caplan, Dave Scanlon, and Dave Crawford.

Enthusiasm and Dedication

Another encouraging sign is a high level of enthusiasm and dedication, not exactly a trademark of past Harvard lacrosse teams. Turnout at practices has been good enough to permit regular full-field scrimmages. On the other hand, Harvard will miss the calm temperaments of John Ince and Bruce Regan, the senior leaders of last year's squad.

One habitual weakness the Crimson is trying to remedy is its inability to score consistently in man-up situations. The team is working hard during and after practice to improve, and with five strong shots on the field at these times, should eventually be able to develop a dependable play.

This year there will be more incentive than just the Ivy League title. The NCAA will sponsor its first lacrosse championship, so if the Crimson can beat Brown it will probably prove itself the best team in District I and earn a playoff spot.