In hindsight, the 2004 women’s soccer season might be best labeled as a formal passing of the guard. Not only did Harvard coach Tim Wheaton turn the program over to a new young coach, Stephanie Erickson, at its end, but a dynamic group of seniors put the program back on top, leading the Crimson (8-5-2, 4-3 Ivy) to an undefeated home record (5-0-1) and its first NCAA tournament birth since 2001.

Harvard finished fourth in the Ivy standings after a heartbreaking 2-1 loss in the final 41 seconds at No. 9 Princeton eliminated any chance of an Ivy title and all but ended any postseason hopes.

But a 1-0 rebound victory against UConn helped Harvard earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, where it, ironically, faced the Huskies in the first round.

“I think the personal highlight for the team was when we beat UConn 1-0 just because we came off the Princeton loss that was really hard, and we thought our season was over,” co-captain Liza Barber said. “But people didn’t stop.”

The Crimson could not make it two in a row, and its season came to an end with a 2-1 loss in the snow and sleet of Storrs, Conn.

And when the curtain finally fell, the four members of the Class of 2005 had left it all on the field.

They would be remembered as a class who knew what it took to get it done and who pledged to impart their experiences to the team’s younger members.

Barber, a defenseman, earned All-American honors, only the 18th selection in Harvard history. She was also unanimously voted first team All-Ivy.

“Liza is an exceptional player,” Wheaton said. “She dominates on the air, on the ground. She’s exceptional.”

Barber is known for her aggressive play not only on defense, but on offense as well, as evidenced by her seven points—second-highest on the team.

Barber and senior midfielder Alisha Moran were both selected to play in the NEWISA Senior Bowl, in which Moran received Player of the Match honors.

Moran was also recognized by the Ivy League, being named honorable mention All-Ivy.

She finished third on the team in points (five) and was the winner of the Seamus Malin Award bestowed by the team to the player who has shown love of the game and commitment to the University.

Senior forward Emily Colvin also received extensive honors as an Academic All-Ivy selection and NSCAA third team Academic All-Northeast.

Rounding out the senior class was co-captain midfielder Falyne Chave, whose organization and enthusiasm made her an obvious team leader.

“Personally, it was clear to me freshman year that Falyne would be captain,” Barber said. “When it came to team morale and things like that, Falyne was the one who was taking control.”

Junior goalkeeper Katie Shields and freshman midfielder Megan Merrit were both named second team All-Ivy, and Merritt led the team with five goals and 12 points.

Merritt and fellow freshmen Jamie Greenwald and Danielle Mirabel each received Ivy League Rookie of the Week honors. And sophomore back Laura Odorczyk and junior Sara Sedgwick joined Moran on the honorable mention All-Ivy list, rounding out what is a very solid core of underclassmen.

“My parting words are that this has been the most incredible experience in my life,” Barber said.

“I’m thankful that I could share it with the three other seniors who were there every year,” she added. “They’re incredible people and incredible players, and I’ve loved my experience because of them.”

—Staff writer Carrie H. Petri can be reached at cpetri@fas.harvard.edu.