The importance of the tournament goes beyond the scores and records of the games, however, for the Cantabs were fighting for a decent seeding in the Eastern Championships.

An eighth place seeding--which would mean facing Brown in the first round--would translate into almost certain elimination. By virtue of their four wins this weekend, however, Harvard all but assured itself of a better seeding.

The Crimson gladiators, who entered the championships at 1--3, were also out to prove they were a better team than their record might indicate.

And they did just that. The offense was sharp and prolific, the defense "was immensely improved," said Button, and the depth of the squad was better than it's ever been.

All this despite a horrible recruiting year (in which only one of Harvard's sought-after players enrolled) and a team that is less than half Californian--a rarity among the nation's top water polo programs.

And the biggest handicap of all for the Crimson--the loss of All-World players Steve Munatones and Dave Fasi to graduation--is being overcome admirably by the squad.

"I don't think we played any better last year with Dave and Steve," Button said.

Johnston agreed. "It hasn't hurt us too much at all," he said, because the Crimson relied on the two stars too much. Now, however, "We've changed the focus of the team for the Better."

Now all they have to do is learn how to tame the Bruins.