LEBANON, Ill. – Harvard men's volleyball (5-12, 2-4 EIVA) concluded its Midwest trip to Illinois Wednesday evening, falling in straight sets (21-25, 17-15, 13-25) against No. 13 McKendree (14-7, 6-4 MIVA) at the Melvin Price Convocation Center.

How it Happened

In a tightly contested first set, the Crimson battled against the Bearcats, as the score was tied at nine all following service and attack errors from the hosts. From there, McKendree would build a 17-11 lead, as the Crimson would cut that lead to three following three-straight Bearcat errors in service and on the attack. Down 21-18, a kill from Sawyer Nichols and an ace from Kai Gan would bring Harvard within one, as McKendree would utilize a 4-1 run to end the first set at 25-21.

In the second and third sets, McKendree opened up large leads and would cut short Crimson runs to take the match in straight sets.

The Crimson ended the contest with 26 kills and three blocks, as Zach Bearty led the way with nine kills and nine blocks. Gan finished the contest with 23 assists, passing the 20-assist mark for the seventh time this season.

Harvard Highlights

• Zach Berty led the Crimson in both kills (9) and digs (9)
• Sawyer Nichols added five kills and two digs.
• Kai Gan finished the day with 23 assists, passing the 20-assist mark for the seventh time this season.
• Thomas Phung also added four digs.

Up Next

Harvard returns to its EIVA slate next week, heading to Fairfield, Connecticut to face Sacred Heart on Friday, Mar. 27 and Saturday, Mar. 28.