The Cantabs compiled a 2-4 record at last year's tournament.

This season, however, the squads will engage in round-robin doubleheaders, as Ivy action will be spread evenly throughout the season. "Now we'll have a couple of big weekends," Wentzell says. "Twelve of our 25 games will be against Ivy teams, and that's the way it should be."

Following the Penn-Princeton weekend, the Crimson will host Cornell on April 20, travel to Brown and Yale on April 27-28, and return home to face Dartmouth on May 4.

Leading the squad will be senior Co-Captains Joan Cunningham and Ann Wilson, both four-year varsity players. Unfortunately for Harvard, both are currently suffering from frustrating injuries.

Cunningham's shoulder capsule has deteriorated, making her unable to throw or play first base as she did last year. She will probably see action as the designated hitter.

Wilson, last year's right fielder on the All-Ivy first team, underwent arthroscopic surgery on her knees in the fall and has not yet fully regained her mobility.

"They've both given a lot to Harvard softball," Wentzell says. "They're our leaders on the field, and now they may not even be on the field. It's tough for them to have to face these obstacles."

Pitching duties will be shared by junior Gerri Rubin, a two-year All-Ivy selection, and sophomore Janet Dickerman. "The key in fast-pitch softball is the pitching," Wentzell says. "Those two work harder than anyone else on the team, and they're the ones who will make us or break us."

Rubin was 5.8 with a 2.75 PRN last season, while Dickermen was 6.2. 1.85.

Sophomore Gia Barrest who batted 308 in the number-three position last year, will be behind the plate She was selected as catcher for the '84 All-Ivy second team.

Another returning starter is sophomore third baseman and cleanup hitter Lisa Rowning who led the squad in batting last year with a 400 mark.

Sophomore Irisha Brown, who made the All-Ivy first team as a designated hitter, will trade positions with Cunningham this season and take over at first base Batting fifth last year, she hit 322.

"All three of them are excellent hitters," Wentzell says. "We have to improve our offensive game this year--we'll give up two or three a game, but we'll have to score four or five."

Left fielder Mary McKinnon, a junior who hit .344 last year, will be another source of offensive power. "Mary really knows the game and gives it all she's got," Wentzell says.

"I think our offense looks very good better than ever," Rowning says. "And the freshmen are going to be a large part of it."