The Harvard softball season began this weekend despite threats of a blizzard that would cripple the Boston area. Of course, the Crimson was competing in sunny California at the Worth Invitational, hosted by Cal State-Fullerton.

Harvard went into the weekend expecting excellent competition, and got all that it bargained for. The Crimson lost all four of its games, but returned a stronger team, having taken positive steps in the process.

"We knew going out there that it would be hard to even get one game," said sophomore co-captain Grace Bloodwell. "The games were really meant to teach us about our strengths and what we needed to work on. Progress was made."

The weekend started against Pacific University, a top 30 program. Although the Crimson lost, 4-0, the game was close much of the time, with the Tigers' first run coming off a wild pitch by sophomore Tiffany Whitton. Other than that misstep, Whitton performed well, going five strong innings, scattering three hits, and no earned runs.

The Crimson next took on the University of New Mexico, another team ranked in the top 30. The Lobos proved a tougher challenge than the Tigers, and beat Harvard 9-0. After a few walks to begin the first inning, UNM's Michelle Carter knocked a grand slam off of freshman Kara Brotemarkle.

Absent that big hit, the Crimson played strongly. Senior ace Chelsea Thoke made her first appearance of the season in relief of Brotemarkle in the second. Thoke pitched four innings and gave up three runs.

"Freshmen are at a distinct disadvantage pitching against these teams," Thoke said. "The mound is different from high school. These girls (the Lobos) are good, and Kara showed heart, and got an out right after the slam."

Harvard began Sunday against the No. 4 team in the nation, California-Berkeley. The Golden Bears were already 19-0, and dealt the Crimson a 7-0 loss.