In spite of Harvard's poor passing and Javier's exemplary serving, the Crimson hung with Springfield into the rally-point match.

But the Crimson failed to close the deal...again.

"We systematically lose the rallypoint games badly. We just can't keep ourselves together to win the big ones," Taxy said.

This year's Crimson certainly has lost more than its share of fifth-round bouts. In crucial rally-point games, Harvard fell to Rutgers, St. Francis, Vassar (twice)--and now to Springfield.

The Springfield match was a particularly big match for the Crimson because the two teams were tied in the league entering the contest.

"Considering the circumstances, the loss was a big let-down--particularly for myself," Hyderi said.

Nonetheless, the Crimson is not doubting its own ability.

"We are as good as or better than each of the teams that we lost to in rally-point matches--and most of those teams are ranked in the top twenty," Taxy said.

The frustrated squad marches on to the Concordia Tournament this Saturday--but it's worried.

"The teams in Saturday's tournament are not as high-caliber as the ones we've faced recentl," Hyderi said. "To win, we simply need to do three things--pass well, block well, and have confidence in our ability."

These three things may ensure a victory on Saturday, but will they secure the Ivy League crown for the volleyballers?

"Winning the Ivy League is our ultimate goal--on April 2 at Cornell, we'll have our chance," Hyderi said.