The Harvard field hockey team travels to Providence Sunday to open its season against the University of Rhode Island.

The Crimson has prevailed in the previous eight meeting between the two clubs, and this year's game should continue the pattern. URI not only has a new coach, but its veteran goalie will play sweeper to protect her collarbone, which she has dislocated several times in her netminding career.

"We should do well," Harvard Coach Sue Caples said. "It should be a good opener for us to get an idea of how we stand."

Harvard returns five seniors--Lisa Cutone, Lynn Frangione, Char Joslin, Sharon Landau and Erin O'Brien--and with last year's corner lineup of Cutone, Joslin and Landau intact, the Crimson has a strong chance to improve its 6-8-1 1988 record.

In addition, the Crimson boasts Ivy League Rookie of the Year Ceci Clark, who is the squad's strongest defender.

"With all the hard work in the pre-season, we should see some positive results this year," Coach Sue Caples said.

Spikes Away:The Harvard women's volleyball team faces its first test of the season when it takes on both Boston College and Colgate this weekend on the Eagles' home court.

"We've got a lot of returning players and because of that, the team is a lot stronger depthwise," Harvard Coach Wayne Lem said.

The Crimson will be looking to returning seniors Yvonne Karanas, Jennifer O'Shea, Lee Polikoff and Co-Captain Manda Schossberger to provide valuable strength and experience.

Returning juniors include Co-Captain Carolyn Burger, who is the designated primary setter, and Peri Wallace, who is expected to play a key role in the Crimson lineup.

"Talentwise, we are the strongest we've ever been," Lem said. "If the players have their sights set on the Ivy Championship, they're just going to have to work very hard for it. The team seems hungry."

Full Slate: In other action this weekend, the Harvard women's soccer team opens its season against Columbia in New York tomorrow. Five different players, including this year's Co-Captain Jen Gifford, scored in last season's 5-0 rout of the Lions. Columbia was outscored 23-0 in its six Ivy games last year...The Harvard men's soccer team, which shut out MIT, 4-0, Wednesday, also opens its Ivy League season Saturday against Columbia. With Derek Mills--who scored the Crimson's only goal in last year's 1-0 whitewash of the Lions--playing at full strength for the first time in two years, the Crimson has one of the most potent scorers in the country...The Harvard men's water polo team will be playing in an Eastern League tournament in Annapolis. Md. this weekend. The Crimson opens play against Army, which defeated Harvard, 11-5, in last year's season-opening tournament. Harvard edged the Cadets, 9-7, in overtime later in the year. Harvard finished seventh in last year's tourney.

Quote of the Summer: "I don't think I have a gambling problem at all. So consequently, I won't seek any help of any kind."--Pete Rose.