The loss of its key players would seem to be a problem for Harvard, but the Crimson is confident that its younger players are up to the task.

"This is going to be a very big game," freshman forward Beth Totman said. "All of the freshmen definitely know what this means."

Although the game promises to be hard-fought, the styles employed by the two teams will differ dramatically.

"Because most of [Hartford's] players come from Scandinavia they will play differently than most American teams," Totman said.

"Their players are definitely not the most athletic ones we face," Larson said. "They won't attack you, but they will beat you with a lot of short, quick passes, and they always play smart."

That Hartford attack will be weakened somewhat, however, by the absence of senior forward Sandra Doreleijers. Doreleijers--who leads Hartford with four goals and nine points this season--will be kept out of the game with an undisclosed injury.

Harvard will still be left to contend with sophomore midfielder Katharina Lindner, and senior forward Tory Munro. Lindner and Munro--who are tied for second on the team in points with six apiece--will be looked upon to pick up the slack for Hartford.

A big game will also be needed from Harvard freshman goalie Cheryl Gunther, who is coming off of the first shutout of her collegiate career against Yale last weekend.