Despite Harvard's attempts to climb back into game with kills by Pankau and senior outside hitter Joe Herger, MIT held on for a 15-11 victory.
MIT's surprising win energized the fans, who began shouting obscenities and taunts at the Crimson as the second game began. In particular, the raucous fans singled out junior libero Auden Velasquez for ridicule.
"The fans didn't bother me too much," Velasquez said, "In fact, their silliness motivated me to play harder."
Harvard played harder in the second game, buoyed by the massive offensive and defensive contributions by Herger.
"Herger kept his cool despite the fans and he came up with big digs and phenomenal kills," Pankau said.
Behind Herger's eight kills and eight digs in the second game, the Crimson emerged from the second game with a 15-12 win.
As the third game began, the Crimson were again welcomed onto the court by the rowdy MIT fans.
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