"Success really builds on success," Long says. "When you win, you gain confidence, which, in turn, helps you to win more. We never had that, and I think it cost us in a lot of close games.

Those are words to be taken to heart by next year's team, but it seems that its members will have more basic things to worry about than mental toughness and confidence.

The three top scorers from this year's team--Walton (eight goals), Belisle (five goals) and Downing (one goal, five assists) will all be walking today at Commencement, leaving an even bigger offensive hole in the team's line-up than existed this year.

"It's unfortunate because looking back, you can see how we were hopeful going into this year," Long says. "We had a lot of people coming back."

"In a sense, we fulfilled some of those hopes," Long adds. "For while we didn't do so well in terms of wins and losses, whenever games against tough teams come down to luck, you know you're doing something right."

FIELD HOCKEY

Record: 5-8-3

Ivy League: 3-2

Key Players: Francie Walton (8 goals, 0 assists); Amy Belisle (5 goals, 0 assists); Jessica Milhollin (142 saves,.910 save %).

Seniors: Francie Walton, Amy Belisle, Sarah Downing, Emily Buxton, Deidre Long.