The team is still upbeat and believes in its own abilities. The feeling in the locker room is that the difference between them and the top teams is not in quality but in execution.

“It’s a lot about minimizing mistakes because at this level the talent isn’t really all that different,” freshman pitcher Sean Poppen said. “It’s just who can have that talent for the longest period of time.”

This Harvard squad has thrust a number of freshmen into the fire and a number of rookies have answered the call.

Sophomore Brandon Kregel has three RBI in addition to four extra-base hits and four runs scored, while freshman DJ Link leads the team in batting average, posting a .385 average with 10 hits.

New coach Bill Decker has come from Division III Trinity. He led the Bantams to an impressive 2008 season with a national title, 45-1 record, and a Division III-record 44 straight wins.

In the face of strong opposition from Rice, this weekend represents a chance for the Crimson to prove itself on the biggest stage it will play on for the rest of the season.

“We’ve had so many games to come together and gel as a team,” Poppen said. “This weekend we should probably try putting it all together.”