The Harvard volleyball team lost in straight sets to Springfield College, 15-7, 15-13, 15-13 in a well-played contest at the IAB last night before a small group of Crimson supporters.

Harvard sprinted out to a 4-0 lead, but, in a pattern that was to continue throughout the game, Crimson mistakes allowed Springfield to run off eight straight points and come away with an easy 15-7 first-game victory.

The second game started with Harvard again taking a quick advantage, but Springfield capitalized on Crimson defensive lapses to move into a 6-2 lead.

This time Harvard didn't fall apart but battled back to a 7-7 tie. The momentum then shifted to Springfield, and the Chiefs took what seemed to be an insurmountable 12-8 lead.

Harvard's Joe Antenucci responded with two excellent point-winning blocks and a spike to the far corner to lift Harvard almost single-handedly into a 13-12 lead.

At this point, Springfield's experience told the story as the Crimson players made three errors around the net to hand the Chiefs a 15-13 win.

Springfield took command in the third period as the Chiefs opened up with a 6-1 spurt. However, the determined Crimson fought back to deadlock the score at 8-8.

The teams traded points up to 10-10, when Paul Matthias came up with a fine spike and Steve Kay turned in two superlative blocks at the net to give Harvard a 13-10 lead.

Turnovers

Once again though, Harvard turnovers in the form of carries and double hits gave the game away by 15-13.

A disheartened Harvard coach Mike Palm said after the game, "I would say our major disadvantage was inexperience which led to crucial mistakes at key times, and our inability to set up on free balls."

The loss lowered Harvard's East Coast League record to 1-2, placing the Crimson in a tie for second place with Yale.