Box Score PRINCETON, NJ – Harvard men's volleyball (9-11, 5-4 EIVA) fell in three sets to No. 19 Princeton (12-9, 8-1 EIVA) this evening despite a back-and-forth affair with the Ivy foe. 

How it Happened

The tone of a grueling battle was set early as either team struggled to gain a significant lead in the first set.  Harvard rode a 3-0 run to create a lead at 15-12 and force a Tigers timeout.  The Crimson maintained its lead until Princeton was able to tie the set at 19-all and then pull in front.  Despite a continued battle, Princeton was able to edge out the opening set 25-23. 

The second set was a battle as neither team was able to pull ahead by more than three.  Harvard held the lead for most of the early part of the set as it looked to even the match, but Princeton never went away.  Harvard held a lead at 23-22 late in the set but the Tigers retook the lead at 24-23.  The two teams fought off a combined five set points and Princeton ultimately won the battle, claiming another set with a 31-29 result. 

Looking to keep the match alive, Harvard again held the lead at the 15-point mark in the third set.  Princeton regained its first lead since the early stages, catapulting ahead on the back of a 5-1 run.  The Tigers continued to build its momentum, going on another 4-0 run to grab a 22-17 lead and force another Harvard timeout.  Princeton never let up, eventually completing the sweep with a 24-18 third set decision. 

Harvard Highlights

• Zach Berty led the way on the offensive end as the only Crimson player to surpass double-digit kills with 10.  The junior also tallied a team-best-tying six digs. 
• Andrew Lobo and Owen Fanning each added eight kills with Fanning recording a .400 hitting percentage. 
• Owen Woolbert and Logan Shepherd each registered a team-high three total blocks against the Tigers. 

Next Up

Harvard will have a rematch with the Princeton Tigers tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. ET in Princeton, NJ.