Bettinelli, according to Allard, looked for a chance to pitch this year and worked on her motion during the fall.

“Lauren throws a little bit of everything,” says Brotemarkle. “She changes speeds well and has a ton of movement on the ball.”

Allard has given McAteer abundant opportunity to get her feet wet on the college level. The freshman has responded well in the 11 games that she has pitched in, compiling a 2-4 record and 4.23 ERA.

“I’m a downball pitcher,” says McAtter. “I try to throw a dropball to keep batters off-balance.”

It remains to be seen whether sophomore Beth Sabin will return from a back injury to take to the mound in a closer/reliever role.

Despite appearances, though, the Crimson’s rotation stacks up well in the seniority category when compared to most other Ivy teams.

The recent trend toward younger pitchers has not been seen at Harvard since the 2000 season. That year, Chelsea Thoke ’01 was the pitching leader as a junior. In 2001, Thoke was an impressive senior, and last year, Suzanne Guy and Tiffany Whitton anchored an experienced staff.

ANGELS IN THE Outfield

The Crimson outfield returns two experienced players in center and left, leaving right field to be filled by sophomore Beth Sabin and freshman Kerry Flaherty.

In left, sophomore Lauren Stefanchik brings incredible speed and a solid arm. At the plate, the all-time high school stolen base leader is a dangerous lead-off threat who can help the Crimson manufacture runs by playing small ball and moving runners over.

Junior Kim Koral (pictured above) is patrolling center for the third year. Koral can cover a lot of ground with her speed, and is a slapper at the plate.

The tandem of Sabin and Flaherty in right field fills the third outfield spot. Though the hitting tear that marked Sabin’s early performance this year has cooled, she still is second on the team with 13 RBI. Freshman Cara Woodard will likely also see time in right to spell Flaherty and Sabin.

AROUND THE HORN

Harvard’s infield boasts the team’s most depth and experience.

Tri-captain Tiffany Whitton leads the diamond from first base. Juniors Rachel Goldberg and Sara Williamson will start up the middle for the Crimson, as shortstop and second base, respectively. At third base, junior tri-captain Louisa Canham will platoon with freshman Rachel Murray (pictured below right).