PRINCETON, NJ – Harvard men's volleyball (9-15, 5-7 EIVA) concluded its 2025 campaign this evening, falling to Penn State (12-15, 8-4 EIVA), 3-0, in the opening round of the EIVA Tournament. 

How it Happened

The two squads tied four times throughout the opening points of the contest before Penn State created the first notable lead at 11-8.  Harvard, however, responded immediately with its own three-point swing.  At the media timeout, Penn State sat in front 15-13 and continued to extend its lead to as many as four.  Undeterred by the deficit, the Crimson once again tied the set at 21-all and 22-all.  Harvard would battle off one set-point, but Penn State claimed the opening frame, 25-23. 

The two foes battled back-and-forth early in the set and the Crimson was the first to gain a lead of more than two with a 15-12 advantage at the media break.  Harvard continued to maintain its lead throughout the late moments of the set before the Nittany Lions successfully tied things up at 22-all and then continued forward to lead 24-22.  Harvard fought off six set points but ultimately fell, 30-28. 

With energy out of the second set battle, the Nittany Lions snagged an early 8-4 advantage in the third set.  Despite narrowing Penn State's margin to six late, the Nittany Lions controlled the third and closed the match with a 25-15 final set result. 

Harvard Highlights

• In his final collegiate match, Logan Shepherd led the way on the offensive end with nine kills and a .278 hitting percentage. 
• Owen Fanning contributed five kills and contributed to a team-high four blocks in the contest. 
• Sawyer Nichols added seven kills against the Nittany Lions. 
• James Bardin, who finished his career second in program history for assists with 2,909 total, ended today with 28 assists and three kills on four attacks.