"[Crepeau] visited us five times during the season, and we knew she had been scouting us," sophomore midfielder Betsy Miller said.

Can't Be Stopped

Right from the outset, Wheaton's and Crepeau's squads battled hard. The game resembled a tennis match, as each team in turn would gain possession of the ball and drive downfield, only to be stopped by the opposing defense.

The difference was that the Friars were being stopped by the Crimson backs, while the Crimson offense was penetrating all the way to Mead in the net.

The front line of Uustal, Co-Captain Robin Johnston and Jen Minkus shredded the inexperienced Friars defense, which featured converted midfielders in two key positions. But Mead held the defense together by saving 13 out of the Crimson's 17 shots.

"Although their defense was big and fast, we could get by them," Minkus said. "But a good goalie can pick up an entire defense, and that's what Mead did today."

As it has in the past, the Crimson got a lift from its bench, which continues to shine.

Junior Kristy Gaschler and sophomore Martha Schneider distinguished themselves substituting for Miller, who was slightly injured in a collision in the first half.

Miller recovered and returned to the game in the second half.

The game was a crucial victory for the Crimson. More important than the "W" was the return of the team's strong play, which had deserted it over the last three games.

"We did very well," Johnston said. "We'll be at our peak for the next game."

That next game is a big one, against Dartmouth, which is undefeated in Ivy League play.

But if it can play like it did today, the Crimson should be able to handle the Big Green at home this Saturday.

NOTEBOOK: Jen Minkus was named the Ivy League Player of the Week for scoring the game-winning goals in the Crimson's victories over Yale and Princeton.