MIT jumped out to an early 4-0 lead with two aces from freshman Kai McDonald. The Engineers capitalized on Harvard's sloppy defensive play and repeatedly pounded the ball down the middle of the court.
Compounding Harvard's defensive woes was its faltering offensive firepower. Freshman setter Mike Bookman, who is responsible for running Harvard's attack, only had seven assists in the third game. By contrast, he had 15 assists in each of the first two games and is averaging 14.5 assists a game for the season.
Harvard's lackadaisical offensive
and shaky defense opened the door for MIT, and the Engineers easily stole the third game, 15-5.
Down 2-1 in the match, Harvard remained calm and focused for the pivotal fourth game.
"After being beaten badly in the third game, we could have folded up and died," Bookman said, "Instead, no one panicked, and we were able to turn it around."
A big factor in Harvard's fourth game resurgence was the improved play of its usual offensive weapons.
Brian Stevenson, who had a poor match for the first three games, stepped up for Harvard and had seven kills in the fourth game. He led the team with 24 kills on the night.
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