This year's team is a new and improved version of last year's crew. But even the shiniest products collect dust. Will inactivity mean another semifinal defeat?

"I think [the layoff] is going to have a positive effect," Joslin said. "The energy level is going to be so high. People have been serious about running and keeping fit. Everyone is so geared up."

Princeton will be tough, Joslin said, but not tough enough.

"Our defense can handle their offense and more," she said. "I see our defense as the best in the country."

Harvard's offense has not been as explosive as Harvard offenses past. Ten goal outings do not come as easily as they once did.

Still, Harvard has yet to post a loss.

"We've had trouble all year finding the net," said Kleinfelder, who is in her 11th season as Crimson coach. "I wouldn't say they have as much lacrosse skill as other teams I've coached. But in terms of mental discipline, confidence and character, it's a better team. Maybe that's the stuff you win with when you get into the playoffs."

Final Products

The last time the two teams met, neither squad was polished. Early in the season, Harvard and Princeton were parts on an assembly line, not finished products.

Both teams are ready for the NCAA showroom.

"We are definitely a different team," Sailor said. "We went into that game thinking we could win, but we were a bit tentative. Since then we've had some big wins [including a victory over the tournament's top seed, Penn State]. We're hoping to show Harvard a different team."

"They've grown, we've grown," Kleinfelder said.

The last time Harvard played, John Harvard was thinking about what he should do with his book collection.

But when the Crimson hits the field tomorrow, 17 days will seem like one. It's tournament time again.