JUNIATA 3, HARVARD 0

Sometimes it really is just a matter of getting the ball over the net. The Crimson learned that lesson the hard way as it racked up 21 service errors in its Saturday loss.

“We had the first-match-of-the-year jitters,” Jones said.

Serving woes kept Harvard on the defensive end of things all night, but it was the Eagles’ defense that shined, earning a 9.0-6.5 advantage in blocks.

“Because they outserved us, we were out of the system,” Jones said. “The block on the other side of the net was always set up better. We allowed them to play better defense and get more blocks.”

But even in Saturday’s sweep, the Crimson got better over the course of the match.

After losing the first game, 30-22, it came one point closer in the second (30-23) and drew within one point at the end of the third game before falling, 30-27.

The weekend was far from a success, but the men’s volleyball team can take solace in sustained improvement throughout its pair of contests. Combine that improved play with strong performances from freshmen—Rob Lothman had 33 assists and four kills Saturday while Derek Jansma had nine digs—and the Crimson may even have cause for optimism.

“Everyone stepped up their games,” Weintraub said. “We have a lot to look forward to.”

—Staff writer Christina C. McClintock can be reached at ccmcclin@fas.harvard.edu.