Intense pre-season training put the Crimson one step ahead of B.C. and B.U. "We won this weekend because we were in better shape," Delaney Smith said."

Nine letterwinners, including the senior foursome of Hayes, Keffer, Mary Baldauf and Nancy Cibotti, return to give the Crimson a veteran flavor.

"This is my first senior team at Harvard," Delaney Smith said. "You can't coach a team what seniors give a team. It's an intangible factor."

But the experience and poise bring tangible results--greater consistency and tenacity in clutch moments.

"When you choke," Delaney Smith said, "you can either roll over and die or get tough. We got tough [against B.U. and B.C.]"

Harvard's not without its weaknesses--boxing out for the offensive rebounds will be a Crimson sore point. Harvard has height and strong blocking ability--especially in junior forward Duncan--but still struggles on the boards.

"We have to box out for the boards instead of getting pushed under, which happens to us," Delaney Smith said.

The Backcourt: Keffer returns as Harvard's fourth all-time leading scorer to direct the Crimson offense. The senior point guard is "an all-around player who can run the team," according to Delaney Smith.

The tri-captain averaged 11.4 points last season, and set Harvard season (128) and career (345) assist records.

Challenging Keffer for court time will be sophomore Kosh, who averaged 5.8 points and dished off 46 assists in an impressive rookie season. Freshman Beth Wambach has proven to be a welcome addition at point guard, scoring in key moments during the B.U. win.

Starting in the other guard position is senior Mary Baldauf, arguably the Crimson's fastest player. Baldauf put in quality performances as a reserve last season, and should be "an integral part of the fast break," Delaney Smith said.

Freshman Dina Hadrick and sophomore Valerie Allen--who moved up from the JV squad--round out the backcourt reserves.

The Frontcourt: Senior Hayes headlines the Harvard frontcourt as the Crimson's second all time leading scorer (955 points) and team point leader last season. The tri-captain was shy only 13 points of the 1000-point barrier heading into last night's contest at Smith.

"Sharon anticipates well, and is a tough, physical post player," Delaney Smith said.

Chandler is starting at center, and should provide what Harvard was lacking in the lane last season.