In the nineteenth century, brave American pioneers traversed overland trails and forded rushing rivers to establish new settlements for the burgeoning nation.

Last night, the tough play of the Harvard men's volleyball team (6-1, 4-0 EIVA) made the Oregon Trail feel like a walk in the park for the Sacred Heart Pioneers (6-9, 2-4). The Pioneers fell to the Crimson at the Malkin Athletic Center, 3-0 (15-13, 15-5, 15-12).

Harvard, whose road trip to Virginia this past weekend was cancelled due to inclement weather, looked well-rested in warm-ups, and grabbed the momentum to start the match.

Riding the emotion of dramatic blocks by sophomore middle blocker Justin Denham and junior co-captain Justin Micomonaco, the Crimson surged to an early 3-0 lead in the first game.

The block party continued for Harvard, with junior outside hitter Brian Stevenson getting into the act, and the Crimson extended its lead to 6-0.

"Our blocking is definitely coming along," Micomonaco said, "We're finally taking care of business at the net."

Despite Harvard's stifling floor defense early on, Sacred Heart clawed its way back into the first game behind two aces and continued offensive pressure. The Pioneers scored the next six points, and suddenly the Crimson's dominance was in question.

The game continued with momentum swings for Harvard and Sacred Heart, and both teams grudgingly traded the lead until the scoreboard read 13-13.