Hale is currently undergoing therapy and will not row in the Head of the Charles tomorrow, because she is "saving herself for the Nationals," says Kennelly.

"Jenny adds so much in terms of not just power, but also spirit," Kennelly adds, remarking, "I don't think we can win the Nationals without her."

Last year, the team earned second place in the Nationals--its best finish since 1973 when Radcliffe captured the national title.

This year, the Eastern Sprints (a qualifier for the Nationals) will be held on May 19, during exam period. "We come to the Sprints with a mental disadvantage," says Hale. "We have to forget about exams."

In the Head, however, there is no mental disadvantage. Coach Lisa Stone looks for her team to finish in the top five. Last year, they finished seventh, behind Dartmouth and Wisconsin.

Dartmouth and Wisconsin are always tough, according to Kennelly. "We lost to them in the Eastern Sprints but beat them in the Nationals. Now we meet again," she says.

Pushing the team to train hard for these races are--Hale and Crocker. "It's not the kind of sport where you can whip yourself into shape. It's a building sport," says Crocker.

"The sport requires perseverence and courage. There are no halftimes," Stone adds.

Looking down from her driver's seat. Hale sees a smooth road ahead for the Radcliffe crew.

"We're the best college team in the nation....We should win the Nationals."

And maybe even the Head of the Charles.