KEY LOSSES

None

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

"Last year was a disappointment, but we learned a lot."   --Co captain Tara LaSovage

OUTLOOK

Harvard did not expect to go 7-10 last season, and anything short of challenging for an Ivy title and a postseason spot in 1998 would disappoint this veteran team, which graduated only two starters. returns.

The Crimson's 7-10 field hockey record of ayear ago reflects the disappointment that was 1997but belies a highly competitive squad that returnsnine of 11 starters.

Among the returning players is two-timefirst-team All-Ivy selection and co-captain JudyCollins and one of the league's best keepers injunior Anya Cowan.

Harvard hopes to regain its form of two yearsago, in which it surprised some with an 11-8record and a bid in the post-season ECACTournament. Collins and Co-captain Tara LaSovageshould provide leadership in the midfield, andjunior Katie Schoolwerth will anchor the defenseat sweeper.

"Last year was a disappointment, but we learneda lot," said Tara LaSovage, who earned second-teamAll-Ivy accolades last season. "We have a good mixof veterans and young players."

This team's wild card may be its 12 freshmenand sophomores, who could potentially tip thebalance in the Ivies.

"The Ivy League can go to anybody," LaSovagesaid. "We're going to work on our approach andcontrolling the things we can control."

Cross-Country

If the performance of Harvard's runners at lastweekend's Fordham Invitational is any indication,it can expect to improve on its relativelydisappointing 1997 campaign.

On Saturday at Van Cortland Park in the Bronx,N.Y., the Harvard men finished second and thewomen fourth.

Both teams were paced by their captains, aswomen's captain Margaret Schotte placed thirdoverall and men's co-captain Scott Muoio wasHarvard's top male finisher.