With the addition of 10 freshmen to the roster this season, the composition of the Harvard softball team has been drastically transformed. One of the elements of success needed on any team, and especially this Crimson team, is chemistry.

"At first I was worried about it [team chemistry], but everyone has had great attitudes. The upperclassmen have really made an effort to work together," said Coach Jenny Allard.

Originally, Allard was looking to bring in only seven players, but three more made the team after a tryout session.

"Last year we only had 14 players on the roster, and because of injuries we had to bring up some junior varsity players," said Allard.

This year's large freshmen class ensures that last-minute junior varsity call-ups won't be necessary again, as there are now 21 capable players on the team.

Despite some lingering doubts that may surround a roster full of inexperience, the team seems to be adjusting well to a freshman class that makes up almost half of the squad.

"The seniors went beyond my expectations with how welcoming they've been. Our whole team is really close," said freshman Lisa Feigenbaum.

"I didn't notice any separation between classes," said freshman Breanne Cooley.

And while the team has grown together over the course of preseason training, the freshman class has grown close as well.

"We're a tight class," Cooley said.

"We all look out for each other, and we hang out outside of softball too.

But good chemistry is not the only factor that determines success. Hard work, determination and pure talent are also needed. This freshman class has managed to fulfill those prerequisites, as well.

In the team's first preseason action two weeks ago in California, five freshmen started at least one game, and others saw action in the later half of games. Although the team failed to win a game, the freshmen gained valuable experience playing at the college level.

"We are missing a little experience in the infield, but as long as the freshmen step up and communicate more, we'll be fine," Allard said.

That lack of experience comes from the fact that three of the Crimson's four starting infielders were lost to graduation.