The Harvard women's soccer team wants to redefine the meaning of a "rebuilding year."

Although the Crimson lost eight talented and integral seniors to graduation, and recently witnessed the defection of starting goalkeeper Anne Browning, it feels that rebuilding doesn't have to mean a losing season.

"Of course this year is going to be a rebuilding year, but that doesn't mean that we have to have an unsuccessful season," said Harvard Coach Tim Wheaton, who is beginning his 13th year at the helm. "After last season, this team is going to be different and rebuilt, but that doesn't mean that we're going to have a bad season. This weekend was a big step in that process."

Last weekend the Crimson (2-1) romped to two easy victories over Texas Christian and Alabama-Birmingham at the UMass Classic.

Over the weekend, six Harvard freshmen scored their first points as Crimson players and opened their Harvard careers with a bang, beating TCU 3-1 and UAB 7-1.

Freshman midfielder Bryce Weed chalked up two goals and two assists over the weekend, and rookie forward Beth Totman added two goals and an assist to the Crimson attack.

"The freshmen are really great players this season," Wheaton said. "Nine of our 22 players are freshmen, but we still have a really great chemistry on our team."

Adding to Weed and Totman's stellar play this weekend was a great defensive effort by freshman goalkeeper Cheryl Gunther, who admirably and ably filled the shoes of Browning, who last year had been the Crimson's starting goalkeeper.

In over 150 minutes of playing time, Gunther wowed the Harvard coaching staff by making four saves and allowing only one goal.