The women's basketball team starts its 1999-00 season tonight in San Antonio as it competes in the University of Texas- San Antonio Tip-off Tournament against two teams it has never faced.

Tonight, the Crimson will take on Stephen F. Austin in a match-up that can succinctly be described for Harvard as "extremely tough."

The Ladyjacks are a perennial Southland Conference powerhouse that last year went 15-11 to make the NCAA tournament.

Saturday, Harvard meets host Texas-San Antonio (UTSA). After coming off a horrendous 6-20 season, the Roadrunners are looking to regroup under new Coach Jeff Dow.

"These are two teams I don't know much about," Harvard Coach Kathy Delaney-Smith said Wednesday. "Stephen Austin is the classic 'run 'n' gun' offense, but I'm still watching tapes of San Antonio."

The Crimson will have to overcome some injuries and suspect defensive play that's been brought out in practices and an exhibition match versus Slovenia. A young team, loaded with height and talent but lacking experience, the Crimson has led Delaney-Smith to criticize the team defense over the last week.

"Our defense has holes," Delaney-Smith said. "Individual defense is there, but teamwork's been missing. We don't back each other up."

Minor injuries have also affected play during the last weeks of practice and scrimmage. Senior guard Courtney Egelhoff, junior guard Kristen Boike and sophomore forward Katie Gates, among others, have all been hit with some form of injury. Delaney-Smith still isn't sure who will be starting or playing. Also, senior forward Laela Sturdy will miss Friday's game due to another commitment.