Harvard converted on an astounding 44 percent of its kill attempts in game two. However, the team posted a 19 percent accuracy for the match.

Towson 3, W. Volleyball 2

A crucial kill by Schweitzer and a stunning block by Pospisil pushed the Crimson past Towson in game four and forced a tiebreak as the Crimson dropped the first of two weekend matches that went the distance. The Tigers (4-3) won 3-2 (24-30, 30-21, 31-29, 27-30, 15-10).

Harvard’s clutch performance in game four came on the heels of a heartbreaking game three loss. Leading 27-23 in the third, the Crimson dropped five of six points, knotting the score at 28. After Tiger middle blocker Julia Fredrickson’s serve went long, the Crimson had an opportunity to serve for the game. However, Towson blocked a Harvard kill attempt and then registered two kills of its own to take a 2-1 lead in the match.

The Crimson pulled out a tight first game by taking seven of the final eight points and benefitted from three Tiger errors during that stretch. Harvard failed to capitalize on the momentum in the second as it fell behind quickly and could not get within four points.

Blocks proved to be the crucial statistic in the match. The Tigers used their size advantage to gain a 15-8 edge in blocks and disrupt the Crimson’s attack, which connected on only 17 percent of its kill attempts for the match.

“They were definitely a big team, and that really makes our defense and our blocking all the more important,” junior setter Kim Gould said.

Gould had a solid performance stepping into the role previously filled by current assistant coach Mindy Jellin ‘03. She registered 42 assists and led the team in aces with four.

“It was really exciting and I felt pretty comfortable,” said Gould. “Everyone’s really supportive on the court, and I think we’re working together really well.”

—Staff writer Michael R. James can be reached at mrjames@fas.harvard.edu.