But this week, the Crimson must "realize [it has] a lot to do to prepare for next weekend," Carlo said, referring to the Ivy League Championships to be held here at Harvard.
While regular-season league play determines seeds for the double-elimination tournament, these records mean nothing going into the tournament.
The team that wins the tournament will be handed the Ivy title regardless of its regular season league record. This is nothing less than great news for the Crimson. With a record of 0-7, Harvard finished in last place in the Ancient Eight standings this fall. As a result, Harvard is slated to face top-seeded and traditional Ivy powerhouse Pennsylvania in the first round.
Nevertheless, taking into consideration the double elimination format, Heit feels that a good match--"not even necessarily a win"--could boost the Crimson's morale high enough to do some real damage in the tournament.
"This season has really been a complete confidence struggle," she said. "If we do well in the first match, who knows what could happen?"
"No one deserves a good win more than this team," said Bates. "Hopefully, it will come this weekend."
A Crimson victory is certainly overdue. Harvard's last win was a 3-2 decision against Holy Cross in late September.