Two more Yale goals, one apiece from Sarah Williams and Eva Vishio, last year's Ivy Rookie of the Year, found their way past Leary but the Crimson would not be beat.

"They are a tough team and we waited a little too long," Yale Coach Francesca Den Hartog said. "It's tough to turn things around against a good team like Harvard."

They are the defending national champions.

Harvard now rests securely atop the league standings and will be considered among the best in the East come national tournament time. Yesterday's whipping certainly proved its defense and its toughness.

"We had a lot to prove as a team. Our back was to the wall," Kleinfelder said. "If we were going to do anything in the league or in the region, it was going to be today."

The defense turned in a fine performance. Leary was again solid in the twines, stopping any Yale momentum before it could steamroll while Co-Captain Ceci Clark anchored a very effective defense. Freshman Emily Buxton, sophomore Tara Uhler and Gaffney kept the Elis at bay throughout the game and the midfielders were able to apply constant pressure from behind to make passing difficult.

Harvard knows lacrosse is not transitive. It's cumulative. And yesterday's victory over a tough Yale team certainly gives them something to build on