Harvard's chances for a first division Ivy finish died Saturday as the varsity dropped an agonizing 14-13 decision to Princeton. The Crimson will try to regain prestige as it hosts Rutgers at 2 p.m. today.

Princeton surpassed pre-season expectations as sophomore Joe Padula captured two bouts in sabre. The sabre men clipped Harvard, 5-4, although Crimson senior Al Makaitis took all three of his bouts. The loss of Paul Profeta, who is on a leave of absence, hurt Harvard. His substitute, Dave Redmond, dropped three bouts.

Princeton left-hander Jim Sisserson, second team all-Ivy last year, allowed only five touches while winning three bouts. Crimson captain Rick Kolombatovich's match with Charles Wertheimer was a crucial one in the final round. Leading 3-2, Kolombatovich lost the struggle for the next touch on what the Harvard bench considered a bad call by the director.

As expected, Harvard's reliable epee sophomores Harry Jergesen and Steve Shea took three bouts each as the epee team trounced the Tigers, 7-2. Harvard is now 9-4, with an 0-3 record in Ivy competition.