Harvard will open at home with Vermont on December 11 in a nine o'clock (that's Sunday AM, early risers) start, and has slated encounters with Providence, Boston College, Boston University, Ithaca and Dartmouth.

"We'll play our games at odd times to fit in with the busy Watson schedule," says Bertagna, who is pleased by the afternoon ice time he has obtained for practices. "Many of the coaches I've been in touch with have been complaining about practices at five o'clock in the morning."

Bertagna is also pleased by the assistance rendered by men's varsity players and coaches after their practices, and by the spirit of cooperation that exists down at Watson.

"The women have to buy all their own equipment this year, but guys have been offering old skates and sticks left and right," says Bertagna.

"Guys here have been pretty cool about us so far," says Huber, who recalls whistles and cat-calls at Concord. "Hey, I curse on the ice, I get into it," adds the free spirited Tania, who admits to flashing the finger at the hecklers.

"You can't be afraid to go into the corners for the puck," says the 5-8, 120-pound Huber, who has faced off against women who were missing several front teeth. "But we'll be a pretty low keyed group this season. Hard work and enthusiasm is all you can ask for in the first year," Huber adds. "But don't worry--we'll get there."

Spoken like a true future Beanpot MVP.

JOURNALJIBES: Eliot House's "Evening with Champions" show for the benefit of the Jimmy Fund played to an SRO crowd at Watson Rink last night. Tickets still on sale for today's matinee and evening performances. Bit question is whether Master Heimert will ride the Zamboni machine again...Kirkland added the co-edtouch football crown with a 9-7 win over Winthrop earlier this week.... Quincy topped K-House in the soccer championship, pulling out a 1-0 OT thriller...Intramural hoop and hockey to start slates right after Thanksgiving.