Junior middle blocker Shaun Mansour will be out for the entire season, the result of a torn ACL sustained during fall training.

“When things don’t go well, we don’t have anyone to turn to or a lineup to change,” Baise said.

Despite its heavily-depleted roster, Harvard’s team showed flashes of potential.

Co-captain outside hitter Erik Kuld had a strong showing with a team-high 16 kills on the night. Weintraub also played well, demonstrating his versatility with 10 kills and 12 assists.

Freshman setter Rob Lothman had 26 assists against the Engineers, key in helping his hitters to get the kill.

In addition to his key service run, Ivica contributed four blocks and six kills.

“The team is playing extremely hard,” Baise said. “Their morale given the challenges is good—they’re determined.”

Weintraub reflected the positive attitude in his thoughts on the Crimson’s next match against UC Santa Barbara.

“Each match is an opportunity to change what’s happening and start anew,” Weintraub said. “We’re hoping to start with this game to pick up the pieces and start playing ball.”

Jones echoed the optimism in his hopes for the rest of the season.

“We just have to win those clutch points down the stretch and establish a tone of winning to get us back on track,” Jones said.