Despite rallying to play Penn tight in the third game, the Crimson was unable to capitalize on the home crowd energy to force a fourth game, falling 30-22 in the final frame.
Harvard’s loss to Penn also marked the final home game for Jellin, the team’s captain and lone senior.
“Her contributions have been wonderful all four years here,” Weiss said. “Not only has she been such a good leader on the court for us, but she’s also been a great presence off the court as well.”
Jellin is currently second on the Harvard career assists list behind Harvard assistant coach Kate Nash ’99 and has a chance to overtake her next weekend on the road against Cornell and Columbia.
Princeton 3, Harvard 2
After demolishing the Tigers’ defense with 15 team kills and a .375 team kill percentage in a 30-16 victory in the first game, Harvard seemed poised for another Princeton sweep.
However, improved ball control and outstanding net play from senior middle blocker Abby Studer allowed the Tigers to claw back into the match, eventually winning 3-2 (30-16, 21-30, 31-29, 23-30, 11-15).
“The last time we played Princeton they could not pass the ball, which made it difficult for them to run the middle,” Jellin said. “This time their passing was on, which made it much harder for our blockers to defend.”
Though Ogbechie led all players with 27 kills and six blocks, it was Studer’s play opposite her that seemingly made the difference for Princeton.
“The goal coming in was to make Abby move,” Weiss said. “She’s a big girl and knows how to play the game.”
The 6’2 Studer collected 21 kills opposite Ogbechie and amassed an impressive .432 kill percentage. Studer’s presence in the middle was complimented by an outside attack that featured freshman outside hitter Lauren Grumet (23 kills, .348) and junior outside hitter Kellie Cramm (18 kills, .200).
Despite losing a 2-1 lead and falling in the fifth game, the Crimson played well and had a solid floor defense that witnessed five players finish the match with double-digit dig totals.
With the win, Princeton moved within striking distance of Harvard for second place in the League and evened up the season series at a match apiece.
—Staff writer Daniel E. Fernandez can be reached at dfernand@fas.harvard.edu