Harvard's varsity baseball team faces its most difficult task of the young season this afternoon when it meets Spring-field College in a 2 p.m. non-league game at Soldiers Field.

Springfield won the New England College Division Baseball Championship last year while posting an 18-10-1 season record. The Chiefs had an outstanding southern trip this spring, beating Florida Southern twice. Their record now stands at 5-3.

Southpaw J. C. Nickens, who did a sensational relief job in Wednesday's ten-inning victory over Boston University, will start for Harvard. He relies on control rather than speed, and Coach Loyal Park praises Nickens' "fortitude, savvy, and confidence."

Harvard's line-up could be altered at three position. Ken O'Connell has been out a week with a leg injury and is expected to return soon. Since he hasn't practiced with the team, Park probably will stick with Pete Varney, regularly a catcher, in right field.

Should O'Connell play, Coach Park will have the enjoyable task of choosing between two outstanding catchers. Junior Jack Turco did an excellent job against B.U.'s speedy baserunners.

Another questionable starter is second baseman Chico Garcia. He was spiked in a steal attempt Wednesday. The injury, plus the fact that Garcia has been in a batting slump, with a meager .045 overage so far, may lead Park to try someone else at second. Junior John Ballantyne, back-up third baseman, may be the choice.

Pitching was expected to be Spring-field's only weakness this year, but it has been exceptional. Junior George Dixon, who compiled a 7-1 record last season, won two games on the Southern tour. Alternating with the left-hander is senior John Marsden, who has a 1.29 earned run average this spring.

Coach Archie Allen has three .400 hitters, with first baseman Alan Putz leading the team with a .440 average.