The defending Ivy League women's lacrosse co-champions squared off yesterday afternoon at Hanover in front of 150 spectators to determine this year's crown.

Harvard (10-2 overall, 6-0 Ivy) returned to Cambridge with a 13-5 victory over Dartmouth (4-2 Ivy) and an outright title.

The game was never close. The Crimson exploded from the beginning. Senior Kate Felsen, the team's leading scorer, tallied the first of her six goals at the 22:10 mark of the first half. She scored again 11 seconds later.

Sophomore Char Joslin continued the run when she threw in a penalty shot with 21:09 remaining in the half. Ten seconds later, Joslin hit Felsen who scored again for a 4-0 Harvard advantage.

Co-Captain Leelee Groome scored two goals in a 50-second span to push the lead to six. In a span of 171 seconds, Harvard scored six goals. The rout was on.

By the time the Big Green could score on Harvard goalie Kelly Dermody with 2:29 left to play in the half, the junior netminder had a nine-goal cushion.

Harvard hold a 9-1 advantage at intermission. In one half alone, Felsen scored four goals, Groome had a hat trick, and Joslin had two goals and two assists. This threesome has dominated the schoolbooks all season long.

About to close in on the team's top priority-an Ivy League title it could call its own-the Crimson was not able to duplicate its first half dominance. The Big Green, however, which suffered only its second loss in league play this year, could get no closer.

While Felsen, Joslin, Groome, and Co-Captain Cindi Ersek have been making headlines with their offensive prowess, Harvard Coach Carole Kleinfelder said she has been especially pleased with her defensive unit, anchored by Dermody.

Dermody cited the consistent play of Julia French, as well as the transition by Karen Everling from offense to replace the injured Maggie Vaughan as keys to the success of the defense.

Harvard faces New Hampshire on Saturday. Its chances for an NCAA Tournament bid appear to be good. The Crimson, ranked seventh in last week's poll, has won four games since the last rankings, including a convincing win over 10th-ranked and perennial power Maryland. Only six teams make the tournament.

Selection committees often judge on the latter part of the season, and this factor would aid the Crimson's chances, as both of its losses came during spring break. The losses came at the hands of Temple and Loyola. Harvard, however, was able to keep within a touchdown of the top-ranked Owls, losing by only five goals, 13-8.