In its first game of the Golden State trip, Harvard fell to the Matadors, 3-0. CSU Northridge dominated the opening set of the match, leading Harvard from the opening point. Though happy with the rest of the match, members of the Crimson pointed to the travel to California as a reason for their stagnant first set.

“We came out a little flat,” Rehkemper said. “We were all pretty jet-lagged from the trip. Aside from that, i thought we played pretty well.”

The Crimson’s Matt Jones led all players with 14 kills and added a pair of service aces. Despite Jones’s performance, CSU Northridge registered as many kills as Harvard – each team finished the match with 37. The Crimson was defeated by scores of 25-16, 25-20, and 25-17.

Jones has been a major contributor for Harvard all season long and was especially key for Harvard matched up against taller, stronger West Coast teams.

Coach Baise also suggested that the junior outside hitter’s impact is even greater than his impressive stats may suggest.

“[Jones] plays with as much intensity, determination, and focus as anyone out there,” Baise said. “Not a point goes by that he doesn’t give 100 percent. His attitude carries over to the other players; they follow his lead.”

Regardless of the results, the junior from La Jolla, Calif., said that the late-season road trip was helpful for the Crimson.

“Despite how strong the team was on the other side, we played well.” Jones said. “Especially against USC, you may not call it a win, but it was one of our most productive matches. If we put the same fire and focus in the games back in our league, I think we’ll have success.”