The second game began as a mirror opposite of the first. B.C. got out of the blocks with three quick points. Harvard came back to tie it at four after a series of kills from junior setter Julie Yick, junior middle hitter Katherine Hart and Denniston.

After exchanging sideouts, Hart helped the Crimson open up a lead by serving two aces en route to a 10-4 advantage. The Eagles would manage just one more point in the game and seemed surprised by the relentless Crimson attack.

"Our chemistry on the court is really starting to show," Schaeffer said. "We are starting to gel."

But the third game would prove to be the proving ground for the Crimson. The Eagles, down but not out, were ready to fight for the match.

The two teams traded sideouts and points like pudding snacks and juice boxes at lunchtime to open the game.

Harvard opened up small 7-4 and 10-7 leads, but the Eagles flew back into the game for an 11-10 lead as the Crimson wheels started to come loose. A Harvard timeout served as an appropriate pit stop.

The serve changed hands five times before the Crimson tied the score at 11. Harvard never looked back.

"They always seem to be a challenge to us and we rose to the occasion," Weiss said.