The 1985 Harvard softball team was headed for success right from the start.

The squad journeyed to Myrtle Beach, S.C. for spring training, a first for the batswomen. After breaking out to a 5-0 start, the Crimson kept up the pace over the course of the crammed season (25 games in 32 days) to finish 17-8, a new season-high for victories.

"I think we got the best of the breaks over the season, made our own breaks, came from behind," Harvard Coach John Wentzell said. "The spring trip sort of started us on our way. Mix that with the freshman talent, the leadership of Joan [Cunningham] and Ann [Wilson]..."

And you've got the most successful Crimson squad in the five-year history of the softball program, a squad whose statistical pace-setters will still be around for the next couple of seasons.

The batswomen boasted the hottest pair of rookies to hit the Boston area since Fred Lynn and Jim Rice stormed the Red Son a decade ago--the double play combination of second baseman Mary Baldauf and shortstop Sharon Hayers.

Baldauf led the squad in several offensive departments. Her 476 batting average, .533 on-base percentage, 25 runs scored, four doubles, and six home runs were all team highs.

Baldauf alone had 11 extra-base hits this year (four doubles, one triple, and six home runs). Last year's club had a combined season total of 15 (13, one, and one).

The young blood on the Crimson-Baldauf was one of three freshman starters--helped rejuvenate the team bats, as the entire squad went on a slugging spree. This year's Harvard extra-base hit totals read 14 doubles, 11 triples, and 11 round-trippers.

Baldauf's fielding partner, players, Hayes, had quite a year at the plate, as well.

The powerful shortstop led Harvard in triples with four, and in walks with 15. Furthermore, Hayes ranked second in runs (18), doubles (3). RBI (16), Home runs (2), and onbase percentage (.424).

***

With so many players returning-only Co-Captains Cunningham and Wilson are seniors-the '86 batswomen promise to repeat this season's success.

"I'm looking forward to next year already." Wentzell said.

Other freshmen who will have a season's worth of experience under their belts include Hanya Bluestone, Kristin Abely, and Cari Lyn Beck.

Bluestone, a speedy center fielder, scored 18 runs on the year, batting mainly in the leadoff position. Abely, goalie for the field hockey squad in the fall saw action in 19 contests, primarily as a pinch-hitter.