But that step would be the high point of the match for the Crimson, as NYU answered with four unanswered points to begin the third game. With an array of Harvard service, hitting and net errors, the Violets finished the game on top, 22-30.

Harvard was not ready to give in. Senior middle blocker Alex Kowell began the fourth game with a powerful kill as a new race to 30 began. The Crimson matched NYU point-for-point until the game was tied at 21-21.

NYU created some breathing room on the next four Finch serves, forcing Harvard to take a timeout at 25-21. But Wilson’s attempt to bring his team together could not prevent NYU’s ultimate 30-24 triumph.

Junior co-captain Mike Bookman said that he diid not see taking one game from the division-leading Violets as an accomplishment.

“We are capable of beating any team in this division if we put togehter our best effort,” said Bookman, who turned in a solid performance with 43 assists and 6 digs. “We haven’t really done that yet.”

Wilson described the team’s recent play as “inconsistent,” specifically citing the team’s passing. “[This is] by far the worst we’ve passed this season,” Wilson said.

The Crimson will look to maintain the momentum from the East Stroudsberg win when it hosts Sacred Heart on Wednesday. The scheduled start time is 7 p.m.