Fresh off a victory in last weekend's Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference tournament, the Harvard women's tennis team yesterday smashed Boston University, 8-1, at the chilly Palmer Dixon Courts.

"We had a good performance. The kids had a whole lot to lose and not too much to gain. It was a nice, solid win," Coach Donald Usher said of his squad, ranked 18th in the nation.

"B.U. is handicapped because two of their best players are injured," Usher added, explaining, "they also only have three courts to practice on and no indoor courts. We just come out to practice when we want."

The Crimson's one loss came when sophomore Robin Boss sprained her ankle after winning the first game of her second singles match and was forced to default.

Junior Erika Smith, ranked first in the East after her win in the ECACs, led the effort with victories in first singles, 6-4, 6-2, and second doubles, with senior Captain Debbi Kaulman, 6-3, 7-6.

"I gear my game around trying to hit forehands," Smith said. "I can hit the ball a lot harder than most people and it's a shame to give that advantage away."

"Erika has played tennis since age eight. She has always been capable and interested," said Marian Smith who was on hand for her daughter's triumph.

"We played well," said sophomore Kathy Vigna. "It was pretty cold--under these conditions it's hard to play your best." Vigna had little trouble playing well, however, taking third singles, 6-0, 6-0.

Freshman Cyndy Austrian, the only Yardling on the A team, took her fourth singles match, 6-3, 7-6, and third doubles with Courtney Crockett, 6-3, 6-2.

"Everyone is totally supportive. I don't feel like a freshman because everyone gives me 100 percent support," said Austrian.

At Palmer Dixon Courts

Singles

1 Erika Smith (H)d Bonnie Barber, 6-4, 6-2

2 Rima Jasaitis (BU) d. Robin Boss, 1-0 (def.)

3 Kathy Vigna (H) d Adianna Capete, 6-0, 6-0