Harvard captured a much-needed victory at the No. 2 slot from junior Peter Karlen, who disposed of the nation's top-ranked player, Akhil

Behl, 3-0. Karlen's victory was his third of the season against a top-five player.

Unfortunately for Harvard, Karlen's triumph was only worth one point, and despite wins by No. 6 Andrew Merrill and No. 7 Gray Witcher, Trinity prevailed in the No. 3-5 spots and the No 8 and 9 spots.

Despite suffering its third consecutive Potter Trophy loss to Trinity, Harvard has opened many eyes throughout the collegiate squash tour. Since defeating Trinity 5-4 in the 1998 national title match, Harvard had not put up much of a fight in the final round until yesterday.

Each of the previous two seasons, the Bantams had dominated the Crimson, 8-1, in Potter Trophy play.

"Coming into this season, no one would have thought we'd have a chance," Karlen said prior to this weekend. "It's been a real professional atmosphere, and we're edging closer to some of the perennial power guys."

Prior to yesterday's duel with Trinity, Harvard had moved through the main draw in commanding fashion. All but one Crimson player swept his Dennison opponent on Friday, as Harvard welcomed its Ohio opponent to the East Coast with a 9-0 sweep.