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Still reeling from last year’s loss to Dartmouth on the final day of the league schedule, Harvard women’s basketball is determined to fill the holes that arguably cost it the Ivy title against the Big Green.

“We had some weaknesses on defense last year that we won’t have this year,” says junior co-captain Christine Matera. “We had the size last year and [Dartmouth] had the speed, and it ended up where the benefit was on their side.”

But in the 2009-10 season, these areas could serve as a good foundation for a team whose starting lineup is expected to be much more fluid than it has been in years past, especially at the forward spot.

“If you ask our team, there are no starters established yet, except for [sophomore point guard Brogan Berry],” coach Kathy Delaney-Smith says.

That depth may prove to be a strength for a team whose athletes bring diverse styles of play.

“[Junior co-captain] Claire [Wheeler] is probably our only power person, so if we feel power’s what we are looking for in a certain game, then she’ll start,” Delaney-Smith says. “If we need athleticism, then [juniors] Emma Markley and Jackie Alemany will start.”

Delaney-Smith is considering similar flexibility on the perimeter. The Crimson seems to be set at point guard with Berry, last year’s Ivy League Rookie of the Year, but Delaney-Smith is exploring different options, including giving Berry some time on the wing.

Meanwhile, Matera, sophomore Caitlin Rowland, and freshman Victoria Lippert are the candidates at guard to join Berry in the starting lineup. Rowland, who didn’t see a lot of playing time last year, could take on a lot more responsibility this year.

“We’re just thrilled with where Caitlin is,” Delaney-Smith says.

Lippert, a two time Cal-Hi All State Division III selection, is expected to make an immediate impact in her rookie season.

“She’s just a baller,” Delaney-Smith says of Lippert. “She’s great at slashing, she’s good on the offensive glass, and she’s just an aggressive player. Don’t mess with Victoria.”

To prepare itself for the wear and tear of Ivy League play, the team has scheduled games against talented non-conference opponents, including Boston College, which it faces in its season opener.

“BC has a very large post presence,” Rowland says. “We’re going to have to really focus on post defense, and the guards are going to have to pressure the ball handlers.”

A few trips are also on the horizon for the Crimson. Over Thanksgiving, the team will head to Colorado for the 23rd Annual Coors Classic, and Jan. 21 brings a tough matchup at Florida State.

But for Harvard, the focus of the season is league play which will begin on Jan. 16 in Hanover, N.H. in a rematch of the Crimson’s heartbreaking loss to Dartmouth last year.