Laxwomen Take Ivy Breather

The Harvard women's lacrosse team continues its non-Ivy League play today when it squares off with the Boston College Eagles at 7 p.m. in Chestnut Hill.

This will be the first road game the Crimson (5-2 overall, 3-0 Ivy) has played since its March 30 matchup with the Tigers in Princeton, N.J. Harvard is currently enjoying a three-game winning streak--the Crimson downed Yale, 9-5, and Vermont, 6-3, last weekend.

But the Eagles (5-3) have also proven their mettle against Vermont, topping the Catamounts, 10-8, last Sunday. Harvard opened last season with a 16-2 drubbing of the Eagles that paved the way to an undefeated championship season, but Harvard cannot afford to take a win over B.C. for granted.

"[B.C. has] a young program and they're a very athletic team," sophomore attacker and team scoring leader Liz Berkery said. "They play a lot like UVM--they all play attack and defense. This is a chance for us to sharpen our skills. If we play well, it will be a big confidence builder."

"It's a great game to prepare for the weekend, but I don't think we can overlook them," goalie Sarah Leary said. "The key is to concentrate on our game. I think it's a great opportunity to make our mark and redeem ourselves for our early-season loss to Maryland."

Harvard suffered its first loss of the season to 4th-ranked Maryland in double overtime, 6-5.

Guarding the Twines

Harvard goalie Sarah Leary has appeared in all seven contests this season, stopping 80 shots while compiling a 4.49 goals-against-average and .714 save percentage.

Harvard has outshot its opponents this season, 167-104, and outscored its competition, 60-32.

Harvard Honors

Freshman Sarah Downing received Player of the Week Honors for her performance in last weekend's Yale game. Downing tallied six goals--five in the first half--including the game-winner.

The rookie midfielder is second on the team in scoring (11 goals, 0 assists, 11 points) behind Berkery (19-3--22). Seven of Downing's goals have come in the three Ivy League contests.

Berkery continued her hot scoring last weekend, tallying twice and notching her fourth hat trick against Yale. Berkery also had a four-goal showing in the season opener against Pennsylvania.

Big Weekend

After tonight's B.C. game, the Crimson prepares to roll into a very competitive weekend. On Friday, Harvard hosts 12th-ranked Loyola and then meets up with 14th-ranked Temple at Ohiri Field on Sunday.

The Crimson is currently ranked 8th in the IWLCA/Brine Poll behind Brown (6th) and ahead of Princeton (9th) and Yale (11th).

Harvard Quick Stats

HARVARD (5-2) vs.

Boston College (5-3)

in Chestnut Hill, 7 p.m. Harvard Leading Scorers Player  Goals-Assists Liz Berkery  19-3 Sarah Downing  11-0 Francie Walton  5-4

Harvard Goalie Player  W-L  GAA  Sv% Sarah Leary  5-2  4.49  .714

Harvard Goalie Player  W-L  GAA  Sv% Sarah Leary  5-2  4.49  .714