Behind powerful kills by Denham and Stevenson, Harvard jumped out to a 20-9 lead and later increased it to 28-14. MIT outside hitter Ramon Partida kept the Engineers in the game, but the Crimson ultimately prevailed 30-20.

The second game was closer than the first, and Harvard only led 10-9 at one point. Sophomore middle blocker Alex Kowell took over the game at this point, recording three blocks and two pinpoint kills to lead an 11-1 Crimson run. Harvard closed out the game, 30-23, by forcing a multitude of MIT errors.

In the third game, the Engineers picked up the pace and battled the Crimson point for point. The game was tied at 14-14 and later at 22-22.

Partida made sure the Crimson would not sweep the match, and after several resounding kills, catalyzed the charge that gave the Engineers the third game at 30-28.

Harvard returned to form in the fourth game, and led 5-2 after four kills by Stevenson. The Crimson continued its tough defense, with Mosier amassing several blocks at key moments of the game. Harvard finished off the Engineers despite Partida's best efforts.

"We pulled ourselves together in that fourth game," Kowell said. "We lost focus for a while, but we came back with our heads together."

Harvard's next game is this Saturday in a crucial matchup against Hay Division leader NYU. The Crimson will have to secure the victory without the services of Cardet and Bookman, who will not be available for the game.