And perhaps no one has shown more confidence than Anna Collins. The junior co-captain, thrust into an early leadership role because of an injury to senior Co-Captain Wendy Joseph, has been nothing short of spectacular.

She has averaged 15 points and 15 rebounds a contest thus far and has shot an impressive 48.6 percent from the floor. Just as importantly, she has been a calming influence to the freshmen.

All this has led to an extreme amount of optimism as the hoisters hit the road for the first time this year for the showdown tonight at the University of Vermont.

The Catamounts (1-1 this year) are coming off a disappointing 6-20 season in 1983-84, but have taken "a giant step forward," says Delaney Smith.

UVM features star-guard Cindy Malinowsky and a lot of freshmen (sound familiar?). Vermont is "in the same place in their program that we are," adds Delaney Smith.

The difference between the squads, reports Delaney Smith, is the Harvard bench.

"We're deeper than they are," she boasts, adding that the Crimson's strategy will be to "wear them down."

As for the end result, Delaney Smith is optimistic. "If we're anywhere near on, I expect we'll win the ball game."

Four straight?

I wonder when playoff tickets go on sale.