Santa Barbara, Calif. – Harvard Men's Volleyball battled throughout the match but ultimately fell to host UC Santa Barbara on Saturday, January 10.

The Crimson opened the night with momentum, earning the first point of the match. A steady back-and-forth followed through the middle of the opening set before Harvard surged ahead. UC Santa Barbara gradually closed the gap, but the Crimson sealed the set on a service ace by Brian Thomas.

Harvard continued to press in the second set, but the Gauchos took control early and maintained their lead as the Crimson trailed for the remainder of the frame.

Sawyer Nichols paced Harvard offensively, recording nine kills on a .391 hitting percentage. Quinn Bishop followed closely with eight kills and a .348 kill percentage. Zach Berty and Owen Woolbert each contributed seven kills, with Woolbert posting an impressive .700 hitting percentage. Brian Thomas added three kills while hitting .600, and he and Bishop anchored the defense with timely blocks at the net.

Harvard Highlights 

• Sawyer Nichols led the team with nine kills

• Quinn Bishop added eight kills to the board

• Zach Berty and Owen Woolbert each contributed seven kills. 

The Crimson will return home for their home opener at the Malkin Athletic Center on Friday, January 16, and Saturday, January 17, hosting Manhattan University at 7:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., respectively.