The Crimson began the tournament on Friday with a four-game loss to Southwest Missouri State, 15-3, 13-15, 7-15, 10-15.

Denniston led Harvard with 29 kills and ended up with a .304 hitting percentage. Freshman middle hitter Mariah Posipil, who saw significant playing time during the tournament, added 13 kills to the Crimson attack, an Lutich tacked on a double-double with 13 kills and 13 digs. Hart contributed 11 kills and eight digs.

Leading the Bears (7-1) were Erin Murphy, who had 13 kills, and Rese McNatt, who had 12 kills and 10 digs. Setter Chenille Bayless assisted on 40 points.

Harvard dominated Southwest Missouri State in the first game, running away with a quick 15-3 victory. But, as a sign of trouble to come in later matches, the Crimson struggled to maintain its initial momentum in subsequent games, losing 15-13, 15-7, 15-10, in its last three games.

"We really came out on fire in the first game," Mattson said. "Southwest Missouri turned up the heat in the next game, and the match was fairly close throughout."

In spite of the team's disappointing performance this weekend at the New England Classic, Harvard still has high hopes for the rest of the season. With three veteran seniors prepared to lead the way, the Crimson believes that experience will only benefit the team and will mold the roster's raw talent into championship-caliber material.

"This week in practice we can focus on the things we could have done better

last weekend," Mattson said.