Clearly, one of the prominent challenges for the returning players is coping with the loss of two players who were both named to the All-Conference Northern Division squad-Gunderson as a first-teamer and Magnuson with the second unit.

"They really held the team together this year and motivated us to keep going," Anderson said.

In fact, Gunderson and Magnuson shared Most Inspirational honors, while the team voted Gunderson MVP and sophomore Leah Kaminski Rookie of the Year.

Next year, Anderson appears poised to move into Gunderson's primary slot, but the team will be looking to a strong recruiting class to replace the left-handed Magnuson.

McCarthy and Meiers will serve as co-captains, and Gunderson is confident they are well suited to the role.

"They're both perfect for the job. They're both very driven, very responsible, very organized, and very self-motivated. They lead by example and are hard workers, which motivates and inspires the team," she said.

Also key to the Crimson's chances next year will be the return of Ono and Humphries and the continued maturation of Peterson.

However, if Harvard can't find a four-leaf clover to change its luck, the players know all too well that they will again be fighting an uphill battle.