Despite this dominance, Harvard, to its credit, was able to accomplish one of its pregame goals. Penn State is a tough serving team, and the Crimson was able to limit the Nittany Lions' serving attack to six aces and to force 26 service errors.

"Going into the game, our biggest concern was being able to handle their jump serves, and we actually did an excellent job passing last night," said senior outside hitter Joe Herger. "Our ball control was probably the one bright spot."

The loss on Saturday ended the Crimson's season, but more importantly, ended the careers of two of Harvard's most prolific players.

Pankau and Herger, who have played all four years together under two different coaches, responded to the close of their Harvard volleyball careers.

"After [former Coach] Ihsan Gurdal retired, there were some guys who didn't want to come back, and I thought about not playing this season," Herger said. "Looking back, I'm glad I was a part of all this team accomplished this year."

"I'm going to miss each and every one of the guys so much," Pankau said. "They've made this year an unforgettable season, not only on the court but off as well. I guess everything must come to an end, especially my collegiate volleyball career, and I couldn't have asked for a better team or season to end it with."

Herger, who finished this season second in the nation in digs per game, ends his Harvard career with 497 digs and 575 kills.

Pankau, who ranks nationally in blocks per game (T-11th with 1.58) and hitting percentage (T-11th with .434), draws the curtain on his four-year performance with 491 blocks and 733 kills.