"The biggest problem with our offense has been that we've been too worried about our defense," Ripmaster said. "[Penn State and UConn] pushed us way back and really came at us.

"Dartmouth is a good team, and we have to respect that, but we can't be too concerned."

One player that the Crimson cannot overlook on defense, however, is Big Green senior forward Jessica Post. Currently the sixth-leading scorer in school history, Post contributed two goals and an assist in Dartmouth's 4-2 win over UConn last week.

But for all of Harvard's recent struggles, Dartmouth is not exactly riding a huge wave of momentum, either. The Big Green suffered a heartbreaking loss of its own this past Wednesday, falling 2-1 in double-overtime to Hartford, a team that Harvard will face next Tuesday.

The Big Green will nevertheless enter Sunday's game battle-tested. In addition to Hartford and UConn, Dartmouth has also faced Nebraska, Richmond, and William & Mary, all of which are in the national Top 25.

Against a defense as stingy as Dartmouth's, Harvard will need to recover the scoring touch it displayed earlier this month. Prior to last Sunday, Harvard had been averaging three goals per game in October.

In fact, the Crimson's top two point scorers--sophomore forward Joey Yenne and freshman midfielder Katie Westfall--were both recognized on Monday for their offensive performances one week ago. Yenne received Ivy Player of the Week honors, while Westfall was named Rookie of the Week.