The Harvard women's basketball team took a major step forward this year, just missing the Ivy League championship with a second place finish.

The team's stellar record (19-7, 11-3 Ivy) reflects its dramatic improvement from last season (4-10,7-19).

The Crimson's turnaround can be attributed to a blend of youth and experience, and the willingness of players to take on roles.

Captain Tammy Butler--the lone senior on the squad--was the Crimson's version of Kevin McHale, dazzling defenders with a plethora of post moves.

During the season, Butler broke Harvard career records in both points scored and rebounding. Over her sensational four years here, butler netted 1,605 points and hauled down 1, 0 5 3 rebounds.

The Harvard captain was recognized as the Ivy League Player of the Year, averaging a league leading 17.6 points per game. Butler became one of only eight players in League history to be named first-team All-Ivy three times.

But the leadership Butler provided was as least as important as her statistics.

"Tammy's leadership was a huge part of our success," junior forward Elizabeth Gettelman said. "She was not only a leader but also made everyone feel comfortable.'

"She genuinely cared about everyone on the team," sophomore guard Jessica Gelman said. "Her play on the court was only half of her contribution."

Freshman forward Allison Feaster combined with Butler to give the Crimson a potent one-two punch inside. Feaster was named Ivy League Rookie of the Year and joined Butley on the All-Ivy first team.

Feaster, whose quiet off-court demeanor stands in sharp contrast to her on-court intensity, immediately stepped in as a starter and made enormous contributions.

"At first she was really quiet," junior guard Elizabeth "Buzz" Proudfit said "I think it was a huge change for her, But she opened up a lot, and she's great person."

The freshman, nicknamed "Charlie," led the Ivy League in rebounding and was a top-five scorer.

"Charlie is one of the most talented players in the Ivy League," Gelman said. "Her rebounding is intense. She just moves people out of the way."

"God help this league for the next three years," coach Kathy Delaney Smith said. "She played injured for most of this season."