If necessary, either of these players could substitute in the sixth spot. The Crimson considers its strength in all positions an asset.
“We’ve gotten where we are largely because we have good depth and good doubles,” Graham said. “These are two of the strengths of the team.”
Should it come away victorious against Maryland, the Crimson will face either Tennessee or Boston University in the second round on Saturday. A weekend sweep would propel Harvard to the Sweet 16, which will be held at the University of Georgia.
If Harvard does make the trip South, it will very likely face top-ranked Stanford, winner of 21 straight matches in an undefeated season. The Cardinal knocked the Crimson out of the Round of 16 in 2003.
“This is a team that’s got high aspirations and a chance to do fun things,” Graham said. “We have to keep winning to do that, though.”
—Staff writer Barbara R. Barreno can be reached at barreno@fas.harvard.edu.