Sarah Johnson, a 6'4 center, and 6'2 forward Kate Ides, two sophomores with a year's experience under their belts, will help key the Crimson's efforts in the paint and on the board, although Sarah Johnson will likely be out until December with a knee injury. Center Lindsay Ryba, a 6'3 All-Ivy freshman pick two seasons ago who missed much of her sophomore year, will also see action in the middle, although she likes to shade out towards the arc where she is a dead-eye shooter when left open. Sharon Nunamaker, a 6'1 junior forward, will also see time in the post.

Another starter plagued with injuries last year who should be inserted back in the lineup is junior small forward Katie Gates, a scrappy player who averaged 6.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 14 games last year.

"She's the kind of player that can do what we want and intimidate on defense, go for steals," Delaney-Smith said.

Newcomer Hana Peljto will automatically figure heavily into the Crimson's frontcourt mix, most likely as a power forward, but eventually, perhaps, as a small forward. In the Crimson's preseason game, Peljto had 12 points and seven rebounds to lead the Crimson, and she showed flashes of brilliance in driving to the basket and pulling up for jump shots. Also new to the team is Tricia Tubridy, a hard-nosed 6' forward with great speed and a knack for the game.

Both coach and team feel there is no reason that this year won't be better than the last and that the Ivy title is easily within reach.

"It's not urgency, it's more like a mission," Delaney-Smith said. "[There is] enormous determination to win it."

Melissa Johnson would like to end her season on a high note. Her jewelry box is not quite as full as that of Olympic gold medallist Marion Jones, a close friend from their days together at North Carolina. A ring would certainly help, although that is secondary to the team.