In a year filled with successful Crimson sports teams, the Harvard women's volleyball team (25-9, 7-0 Ivy) was among those at the top.

Despite finishing its season in the fall of 1997, the team cannot easily forget its successes, because there were many of them. Deciding which to focus on is the tough part.

"There were a lot of big wins," said sophomore outside hitter Allison Fitzgerald. "It's hard to pick a biggest win."

Among the big wins were seven against Ivy foes in an undefeated League season. In those matches, the Crimson dominated, losing just five individual games.

Record: 25-9, 7-0 Ivy

Coach: Jennifer Bates

Highlights: Perfect Ivy League regular season; Katherine Hart named Ivy Rookie of the Year

Seniors: Elissa Hart, Lolita Lopez

In the nonconference matches, the Crimson defeated the likes of Boston College, Army and Navy. Tough losses came at the hands of Connecticut and Massachusetts but did not spoil the season.

"We had an incredible season," co-captain Lolita Lopez said. "I'm definitely pleased."

The team was relatively young this year--there were only two seniors to four freshmen. Lopez and fellow co-captain Elissa Hart were there to guide the team early on.

The youngsters on the team, however, quickly came into their own.

"The freshmen became sophomores toward the end of the season," Lopez said. "They were forced to grow up fast."

Among the freshmen to make an immediate impact was middle hitter Katherine Hart, Elissa's little sister. Katherine earned Ivy League Rookie of the Year honors through her valuable contributions at the net.

"Katherine Hart was phenomenal," Fitzgerald said.