Given the overall strength of B.C. in every position, the Crimson isn't taking its showdown with Eagles lightly, despite beating BC 4-0 earlier this season.

"We know from playing them that the score doesn't tell the whole story," said co-captain forward Beth Zotter. "They came out very strong against us early and put us on our heels. They're a skilled team and were very aggressive. Considering how well they played, I don't think beating them gives us any sense of false security."

Considering the slow start Harvard had against B.C. last time, the team has been fine-tuning its game all week to deal with the perceived problem.

"We've been really working on coming out strong right from the kickoff," Foster said. "Since we beat them last time, they're going to come back with a vengeance."

If Harvard goes down early, however, it may pose problems for a young team that has only had to come back from a deficit once all season.

Harvard, the top defense in the country, will have to shut down Guarino and the Eagle offense.

Lead by co-captain Jessica Larson and freshman keeper Cheryl Gunther, the Crimson defense has allowed only eight goals all season and has never allowed more than one in a single game.