The Crimson earned its second win of the season on Friday, February 6, defeating the Merrimack Warriors in straight sets.

How It Happened

The opening set featured a back-and-forth start before Harvard began to create separation, prompting Merrimack's first timeout with the Crimson ahead 13–10. The break did nothing to slow Owen Woolbert, who opened play with a service ace. Merrimack called its second timeout later in the set after consecutive aces from Zach Berty. Harvard closed the frame with authority, highlighted by an unexpected dump from Adrian Shevchuk to secure the first set.
Harvard maintained control in the second set, leaning on strong defensive efforts at the net. Brian Thomas played a key role in slowing Merrimack's attack with timely block assists, helping keep the Warriors to just 15 points as the Crimson claimed set two.
The Crimson jumped out to an early 4–0 lead in the third set, allowing Merrimack's first point only on a Harvard service error. Merrimack briefly pulled ahead, forcing a Harvard timeout at 13–10, mirroring the momentum swing from the opening set. Harvard clawed its way back, and the set came down to the wire with the score knotted at 24–24. Quinn Bishop delivered a clutch kill, followed by a Merrimack error, sealing the straight-set victory for the Crimson.
Harvard Highlights

• Quinn Bishop and Sawyer Nichols led the team with nine kills apiece
• Adrian Shevchuk recorded a .333 hitting percentage while adding multiple dumps and key assists
• Julian Hong tallied his first point-winning serve of the season
• Harvard finished the first set with an impressive .545 hitting percentage

Harvard returns to action on Saturday, February 7, hosting No. 8 BYU at the Malkin Athletic Center at 7:00 p.m. The match will be streamed on ESPN+.