If there were any questions on whether the Harvard women's soccer team could compete this season after losing five starters, the Crimson answered them with a resounding yes.

With the help of several key freshman additions, Harvard (2-0) opened the season this weekend with two resounding victories at the UMass Invitational, defeating Texas Christian (3-2) on Saturday by the score of 3-1 and Alabama-Birmingham (1-5) yesterday by the count of 7-1.

Freshman midfielder Bryce Weed tallied two goals and two assists, and senior midfielder Julia Blain and freshman forward Beth Totman each added two goals and an assist to lead the Crimson on the weekend.

Freshman goaltender Cheryl Gunther also had a strong weekend, stepping into the shoes left by senior Anne Browning. Browning, last season's starter, left the team to concentrate on crew. Gunther made four saves and allowed only one goal in over 150 minutes of action.

Harvard 7, UAB 1

In the second round of the UMass Invitational, the Crimson took on Alabama-Birmingham and wasted no time in picking the Blazers apart.

Blain started the Crimson off, booming an unassisted shot from 15 yards out.

After 10 idle minutes, Harvard began its onslaught in earnest, netting four more goals in 14 minutes.

Freshman forward Joey Yenne started the Crimson scoring spree as she took a pass from co-captain Jessica Larson--the first point of her Harvard career--and lofted a 15-yard shot over UAB goaltender Lisa Nowoslawski and into the net.