NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. – Harvard men's volleyball (5-6, 3-1 EIVA) fell to Merrimack (5-3), 3-1, in a midweek battle in North Andover this evening. 

How it Happened

Using their home-court advantage, the Merrimack Warriors seemed in control through the early points, maintaining a consistent advantage in the first set.  The Warriors held their largest lead so far at 14-9 to force a Crimson timeout.  Merrimack would go on to hold off any of Harvard's attempted runs and continuing to grow their lead, eventually closing the set at 25-16.

The second stanza was a back-and-forth affair, as the score was even 12 times, and neither team could grow a lead larger than three.  Late in the set, Harvard fended off a pair of set points looking to make its comeback, but the Warriors were able to solidify the set at 25-23.

Harvard was poised to remain alive in the contest, eventually breaking the alternating play with a late run and gathering a 20-16 advantage.  The Crimson gave the Warriors no opportunity to climb back into the set, finishing it at 25-20 after collecting five of the final seven points. 

Another back-and-forth battle ensued in the beginning of the fourth set, but the Warriors rattled off 10 straight points to steal all momentum to go up 19-10.  The Warriors went on to conclude the stanza with a 25-18 decision to steal the 3-1 match victory.    

Harvard Highlights

• Miha Okorn and Logan Shepherd each added five kills to help fuel the Crimson's offensive attack.
• James Bardin added four kills while hitting .429.  The senior setter also added 10 assists and two block assists.
• First-year libero Thomas Phung posted a team-high eight digs. 

Next Up
Harvard will return to conference play next weekend for its rescheduled series with Charleston on Saturday, March 8, at 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 9, at 1:00 p.m.