Feigenbaum takes over the third base spot that was held by Crystal Springer '00, who is now an assistant hockey coach at Princeton.

"I was a little nervous [in California], but I was more excited we were finally playing," Feigenbaum said.

Cooley started all four games at first base for the Crimson on its recent road trip. Ghia Godfree '00 held down that spot for Harvard last year.

"In college you're going to face girls with a lot more experience," Cooley said. "And people are tougher mentally and physically."

Overall, however, Cooley thinks the transition from high school and summer ball to college has not been too bad.

"The level of play is similar to what I'm used to with playing travel ball," Cooley said.

And perhaps the biggest hole left to fill after graduation was that of shortstop Deborah Abeles '00, arguably one of the best players in Crimson history. Abeles was the 2000 Ivy Player of the Year and the Crimson's all-time leader in hits, home runs, and RBI.

Taking over Abeles' position are freshmen Sara Williamson and Rachel Goldberg, who each saw action in the shortstop position in the California trip.

"I didn't really know Deborah, but I've heard she was amazing," Williamson said. "You can't worry about filling someone else's shoes though. You just have to play the way you know how."

The outfield was not hit as hard by graduation, as its only loss was Jessie Amberg '00. The Crimson also returned junior Sarah Koppel and sophomore Tiffany Whitton, both of whom were First Team All-Ivy selections last season. Koppel and Whitton will play integral roles in the Crimson's success this season.

But freshman Kim Koral, an ASA All-American, will add even more depth to Harvard's outfield. Koral started in centerfield in all four games in the California trip.

Another freshman that will contribute right away is pitcher Kara Brotemarkle. With junior hurler Suzanne Guy taking this semester off, Harvard is left with only three pitchers on its staff.

Although her first outing two weekends ago was a bit rough, Allard expects Brotemarkle to bounce back.

"Coming into college the mound is moved back and the girls are a bit stronger, but Kara will do just fine," Allard said.

Brotemarkle is looking forward to gaining more experience on the college level.