A number of other factors-inexperience and mental errors among them-contributed to several early season losses to teams it could have beaten. The Crimson lost two games to a Vassar team that finished a game behind it in the Hay Division standings. But despite Harvard's early fall from EIVA contention, the season had its share of triumphs.

Among these was the Ivy League Classic victory on Apr. 1. Last year, Harvard had fallen to Princeton in a heartbreaking final match. This year, Princeton opted not to attend the tournament and the Crimson took advantage, bringing home its first title in eight years.

The next week, the Crimson played for pride in the final EIWA game and took out St. Francis-a team that needed a victory to clinch the division title-in surprisingly easy fashion, 3-1.

To that end, the players the Crimson did have all made vital contributions. Junior co-captain Justin Denham was a dominant force at outside hitter, and sophomore setter Mike Bookman continued to stake a claim to being one of the nation's best setters. Bookman and Denham will serve as next years' captains.

"J.D. gained valuable experience on the floor to add to his unparalleled raw physical ability," Micomonaco said. "And Bookman has one of the sharpest setting minds around. He's able to read defenses and deliver the right set at the right time."

Sophomore middle blocker Alex Kowell was joined by freshman phenom Juan Carlos Cardet, and the tandem should continue to strike fear into the EIWA next year as the passing game continues to develop. Senior outside hitter Brian Stevenson was second on the team in kills. Freshman Russ Mosier joined the team after playing soccer in the fall.

"Russ was our most improved player this year after making the switch from soccer," Micomonaco said. "Now that he is doing volleyball full-time, things can only get better."