This despite all the lineup switches and the new, experimental five-one system, the Crimson looked stronger than ever.

"This is more change than we've had in the past two to three years," said Nadkarni. "It requires more involved participation of the whole team. You have to be ready to play at any time."

Keller the Killer

One player who's seeing a lot more court time is Adam Keller. Keller has replaced middle-hitter Young Kim, suspended by Coach Ishan Gurdal for missing last Tuesday's match at Dartmouth.

"I'm feeling a little more comfortable even though it's only been a couple of days," said Keller, who is playing in the middle for the first time. "The tempo is a lot faster for me now. In the middle, you've just got to go."

Another player seeing a lot more court time is Russell Riopelle.

The junior, who was the quarterback of the freshman football team two years ago, claims that he enjoys running plays on the volleyball court as much as on the football field.

"Things went well," said Riopelle. "I felt comfortable with it. I enjoy the responsibility that comes with being a sever.

"It's like being a quarterback again."