The Crimson handily won the first game, 15-7, and solid serving allowed Harvard to surge to a quick 6-1 lead in the second game. A kill by Holy Cross's Carissa Bennett forced a sideout, and the Crusaders inched back to within 6-3. The potent Crimson offense, however, could not be stopped, and after Harvard enjoyed an 8-1 scoring spree, an ace by Hart forced game point. A block from Denniston and Gallagher won the game for the Crimson, 15-4.

The Crusaders remained hungry for the win, however, and they jumped out to a 6-3 lead at the start of the third game. The Crimson battled back to tie the game at 6-6, and the two teams repeatedly exchanged sideouts until finding themselves tied at 8-8. After Holy Cross Coach Peter Viterotto called a timeout, both teams furiously fought for control but were locked again at 11. With the Crusaders in possession of the ball, Holy Cross' Bennett served the ball into the net, and Denniston answered with a kill to give the Crimson a 12-11 lead.

After the teams swapped sideouts, an ace by Jellin boosted the Crimson's lead to 13-11, and freshman middle blocker Amy Asare tipped the ball over the net to force game point. A Denniston serve was too much for the Crusaders' Kerri Blumenauer to handle,

and Harvard won the final game, 15-11.

Providence 3, Harvard 2

Harvard began its tournament with a grueling five-game duel against Providence, 12-15, 13-15, 15-10, 15-13, 14-16. The Friars (12-5, 0-0 Big East) ended up winning the tournament by accumulating the only undefeated record.

"It was a disappointing loss because it was so close," Jellin said.

Senior outside hitter Angela Lutich led the Crimson with 19 kills and 12 digs, and Hart racked up 12 kills, 11 digs and three solo blocks. Denniston had 15 digs, and Jellin had another superb all-around game, racking up a team-high 18 digs and assisting on 54 points.