The Harvard men's volleyball team lost to Concordia College and defeated Rivier College in back-to-back games yesterday afternoon. Concordia captured the first match 31 in four tough games while the Crimson rebounded in the second match to sail past Rivier 3-0.

"Concordia is a strong and more experienced team," said Harvard Coach Tom Wilson.

Harvard (9-2) lost the first two matches, 10-15 and 7-15. However, Harvard's defense came around and held Concordia's experienced middle hitters in the third to come from behind and take the match, 15-12. CONCORDIA  3 HARVARD  1 RIVIER  0 HARVARD  3

But Concordia's maturity proved too much for Harvard's young team, losing 8-15.

"Our defense is improving [and] our blocking is coming along," Wilson said. "We could definitely beat this team a month from now at the rate we are improving."

The second game against an inexperienced Rivier was a great chance for Wilson to test his team's versatility. Rivier has a relatively new volleyball program and has not yet reached Concordia's level of play.

"The caliber of play on the Harvard side of the net stayed high throughout the three matches," Wilson said.

The Crimson finished the matches, 15-1, 15-5, and 15-6, respectively.

Wilson said he was content with the play of his middle hitters, junior Ed Pankau and senior Evan Mager, and excited about the improvement of his freshmen--outside hitter Paul Guilianelli and setter Conor Gaughan.

"I am really happy with how our freshman are coming along," Wilson said. "[Guilianelli] had an excellent game today."

After yesterday's split, the Crimson now prepares to battle Wentworth at the Malkin Athletic Center on Feb. 10 at 7 p.m.