NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. – Harvard women's volleyball (10-9, 5-5 Ivy) concluded its weekend on the road this evening, falling to Columbia (4-15, 1-9 Ivy) in five sets. 

How it Happened

The Lions started strong by rattling off the first three points, but the Crimson responded with its own 3-0 run to even the set at 5-5 and begin a back-and-forth affair.  With a single point deficit, the Crimson came alive, going on a 5-1 run to create its largest lead at three.  The run gave all momentum back to Harvard as it continued to grow its lead, reaching an advantage as large as six.  Ultimately, the Crimson took the opening set with a 25-19 decision. 

Harvard carried its energy into the second set, growing out several multipoint leads early and eventually growing its lead to as large as 12-7.  Despite some attempted pressures from the Lions, the Crimson continued to sustain its lead, maintaining a three-point advantage at the timeout break.  Columbia continued to battle out of the break, eventually tying the frame at 18-all.  The set would go on to be even on six more occasions as either team responded to each other's attacks.  Eventually, the Lions were able to complete their comeback and even the match with a 26-24 second set. 

Looking to bounce back, the Crimson started strong early, pulling out to an 8-5 lead.  A short scoring run by the Lions would bring the set back to a tie, but Harvard never allowed Columbia to overtake the lead.  Harvard would begin to pull further away from the foe with consistent play through the ladder half of the set, growing its lead to as many as six.  Holding off a late set run, Harvard was about to solidify the set a 25-21 and regain the match lead. 

Hoping to force a fifth set, the Lions grabbed the first advantage in the frame, pulling away to a four-point lead.  Columbia continued to maintain its lead until the Crimson powered back to even the set at 18-all following a 3-0 scoring run.  When it appeared that momentum was shifting back to Harvard, Columbia went on to secure six of the last eight points to win the frame in extra points, 27-25. 

The Crimson came out swinging in the final set, growing a 6-2 lead to create early momentum.  Harvard proceeded to hold control for a majority of the set until the Lions tied it at 15-all.  Columbia proceeded to grab the final three points of the match to steal the set at 17-15. 

Harvard Highlights

• The Crimson had three players with double digit kills in Peyton Hollis (17), Brynne Faltinsky (16), and Corinne Furey (12).
• Faltinsky recorded a double-double by adding a career-high 13 digs.
• Bennett Trubey had a strong night on both ends, contributing six kills while hitting .625 and adding a solo block and six block assists. 
• Ryleigh Patterson and Rocky Aguirre each joined Trubey with six block assists to contribute to the teams 14 total blocks on the night (26 block assists). 
• Aguirre also led the team in assists, posting a new career-high with 53 assists. 

Next Up

The Crimson will remain on the road for one final weekend as it heads to Brown and Yale on Friday, November 8 and Saturday, November 9, respectively.