The Harvard men's tennis team is fighting its way back to the top.

After whipping Penn last weekend, the Crimson (5-7, 2-1 EITA) returned to action with a close 5-4 victory over Navy yesterday at Anapolis, M d.

The netmen's triumph puts the squad in fourth place in the Eastern Intercollegiate Tennis Association, trailing Columbia (7-0 EITA), Yale (5-1) and Brown (4-1).

"We played well," Harvard Captain Peter Palandjian. "We put a lot of good work over the week. Everybody played good matches, it was a fun match. We were in total control throughout the match."

Harvard swept the first four singles matches without giving up more than eight games in any of the contests.

Paul Palandjian recorded the first victory of the day with a 6-3, 6-3 triumph over Navy's Jamie Moore. The younger Palandjian was followed by Arkie Engle, who demolished Navy's Gramm Rogers, 6-2, 6-1 in the second singles.

"Our freshman Roger [Barry] and Mark [Leschley] are stallions," Paul Palandjian said. "Personally, I may never lose another singles match as long as I live."

The elder Palandjian cruised to a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Navy's Mike Spanos.

Hank Parichabutr recorded a 6-3, 7-5 decision over Navy's John Chandler to give the Crimson a 4-1 lead at the time.

Depth Charge

Navy showed its depth by taking the fifth and sixth singles, but the Crimson made the Midshipmen work for their victories. Darryl Laddin, who has missed most of the season with injuries, opened the first set with a 6-4 victory over Navy's John Wagner. However, Wagner rallied to win the final two sets, 6-2, 6-4.

In the number six singles, Harvard's John Stinebaugh fell to Navy's Pat Walker in two sets, 6-0, 6-3 to round out singles action.

"Paul, Peter and Arkie make us all feel proud to be a part of this team," Barry said.

Double Trouble

In doubles action, Palandjian and Engle cruised to a 6-1, 6-2 victory over the doubles tandem of Spanos and Moore. The doubles contingent triumph secured the victory for the netmen at 5-2.

"Arkie and I had a good doubles match," Palandjian said. "Considering the injuries, it was a good outing. It was a satisfying victory."

At second doubles, Sinebaugh and Paul Palandjian lost a close 7-6, 6-2 decision over Rogers and Wagner.

After winning the first set of the third doubles, Roger Barry and Laddin lost a tough 7-6 second set. But in the third set, the duo had to retire.

The duo had to default because the team had to catch flight.