Although Harvard has yet to play any of the nation's top four teams this year, the Crimson feels that it can compete. No. 6 Princeton--a team that Harvard lost to by two relatively preventable goals--came heartbreakingly close to beating each of the nation's top three teams earlier in the year. Harvard is not that far off.

"We know Wake Forest is a very talented team, but it's not like they're at a whole other level above us," said Katie Zacarian, Harvard's freshman goalkeeper. "They're just another college team. We're definitely there with them."

If the Crimson is to contend, the defense will have shut down some of the nation's best scoring threats. Senior Jenny Everett is averaging a goal and an assist per game for Wake Forest, good for third in the nation in scoring. Three other players have scored at least 10 goals on the season, more than any single Harvard player.

But the Crimson's ability to keep scores low has been its strength all season. Harvard has earned six shutouts and allowed more than two goals in a game only twice all season. The Crimson backs have contained every opposing forward line that they have faced this year.

"The strength of our team is the team--we're solid at all positions." Caples said. "Our defense has been tough. It gives up very few scoring opportunities. We'll have to continue to limit the number of penalty corners that we give up."

Zacarian's experience in goal should boost Harvard's confidence in its ability to shut down the Wake Forest offense. The freshman played two years on the Under-16 National Team and a year on the Under-19 National Team.

"Some of my [former U-16, U-19] teammates are on Wake Forest," Zacarian said. "This level of competition is nothing new."