Harvard women's basketball Coach Kathy Delaney-Smith is now facing her toughest battle to date.

The long-time coach, now in her 18th year at Harvard, was diagnosed with breast cancer in mid-December, not too long before the Crimson's Dec. 18 game at Northeastern. During a routine check-up, a doctor found a lump in her right breast.

"It's not anything really, other than a little imposition," she said after coaching the Crimson to a 73-67 win over Dartmouth Friday to open the Ivy League season. "I feel very healthy. I'm very optimistic. I have a lot of energy. Unfortunately, I have to go through the [treatment]."

Delaney-Smith, who had surgery the week before Christmas, will begin her treatment with chemotherapy soon, followed by radiation.

According to Jamie Weir, Harvard assistant director of sports media relations, a biopsy of the tissue yielded positive news.

"The borders were clean and it had not spread to her lymph nodes," Weir said.

Delaney-Smith does not expect to miss any games this season as the Crimson (7-5, 1-0 Ivy) delves head-first into its league schedule. Harvard hosts Yale and Brown this weekend.

"I don't expect it to [keep me out]," she said. "I might miss a practice. Maybe, maybe not. I'm not missing a game. I will be fabulous for the weekend."