Cambridge, Mass. – The Harvard volleyball team brought home a win from Philadelphia against Penn on Saturday, Oct. 29. Harvard (5-13, 4-6 Ivy) topped Penn (2–18, 1-9 Ivy) 3-1 in four sets of 19-25, 25-22, 25-22 and 25-23.

Similar to the matchup from earlier this year, the Quakers took set one against the Crimson, holding a lead throughout a majority of the set. Set two was a closer battle, with Harvard taking control midway through and holding out for the win. The third set offered two lead changes and three ties as the Crimson were once again able to take the win and take a 2-1 lead in sets throughout the night. Set four went back and fourth the entire time, cumulating in a tie at 23. The final play of the game was challenged by Coach Jennifer Weiss, originally given to the Quakers. The challenge was won and the point was reversed, resulting in a Crimson win.

Harvard Highlights

- Bella Almanza led the team in kills with 13 and assists with 23, which added to her 11 kills to report a double-double on the night. Her nine digs was just one short of a triple-double.
- Ava Rauser also scored 13 kills on the night, setting a new career high.
- Olivia Cooper led the team in aces, scoring two. Almanza, Rocky Aguirre, Hannah Nguyen and Kate Condra each scored one ace.
- Ariana White and Brynne Faltinsky scored block solos for their second consecutive match in a row.
- This victory over Penn makes the Crimson-Quakers record 2-0 for the 2022 regular season. Harvard has won six of nine sets played between the two.
- One of the Crimson's strong points in tonight's match was their blocks, as they scored eight compared to Penn's three.

Up Next

Harvard Volleyball will return home next weekend for two matches, starting with a contest on Friday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. against Columbia followed by a match on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 5 p.m. against Cornell. The matches will both stream on ESPN+.