The Crimson started off the match out of sync both defensively and in the service game, and Sacred Heart took advantage with consecutive kills, accumulating a late game-lead at 28-23. Harvard was missing coverage for its blockers, and the Pioneers were able to win several momentum-stopping points with well placed kills. In addition, service errors plagued the Crimson, making the team give up hard-earned possessions.

Harvard fought back in the second set, stepping up its defense and keeping the score close until the final moments. With the scored tied at 31, Sacred Heart committed a crucial service error, and Kuld capped off the Crimson comeback with a well-placed tip to take the set 33-31.

Havard carried its momentum to the third set, pulling ahead, 30-29, in the closing minutes. But the Pioneers recovered with three straight points to take the set, making the score 2-1, and putting pressure on the Crimson to force a fifth set.

“In the third set,” Baise said, “we gave them a little bit of room and they took it.”

But Harvard would use a five-point run to take the fourth. With the scored tied at 13 in the fifth, the Crimson committed a game changing double-touch penalty and Sacred Heart capitalized on its lead with a decisive block to end the match.

“It’s hard to fight back [being down sets],” Baise said, “but I think [our efforts] are indicative of this team at the end of the season.”

Harvard played catch up the entire match, but the players never lost focus and intensity. Kuld exemplified this effort by sprinting out of bounds to save two balls, once diving on the floor and once slamming into the wall.

“It’s incredible,” said Baise about Kuld’s diving save. “That kid does not stop until the ball hits the floor.”

This defeat took the Crimson out of the playoff race, giving the Pioneers sole possession of second place.