But since that time, Harvard freshman goalkeeper Jessica Ruddock has matured into one of the best goaltenders in the nation.

Ruddock will have to be at her best on Friday. Duluth has a strong offense that routinely outshoots their opponents.

If the Harvard defense can hold the game close into the final period, the Crimson's chances of advancing to the championship game Saturday night will improve. The Bulldogs have struggled in overtime this year going just 2-4-1 while the Harvard team has yet to lose an overtime contest.

If Harvard advances to the next round, the Crimson will most likely play a strong Dartmouth team, which meets St. Lawrence in the first round on Friday night. The No. 1 Big Green (26-3-1, 20-3-1 ECAC) has retained the top national ranking throughout the entire hockey season.

Dartmouth's success rests in large part to experience and a well- rounded scoring attack that dominates teams with less depth. The Big Green returned 20 players and lost only one letterwinner from a team that won a school-record 21 games last year.

Combine that with their balanced scoring attack--Dartmouth has eight players with over 20 points--and it is no surprise the Big Green has had yet another successful season.

The team also boasts strong goalkeeping. Netminders Meaghan Cahill and Amy Ferguson have split the work this season playing 13 and 12 games, respectively.