Overall, the balanced night saw nine different players record a point during the game.

“We didn’t make the errors, and we gave the other team the chance to make the errors,” Baise said. “We were good fundamentally. Our passing and our defense were good, and mentally it was a really good match for us.”

A tight first set swung in Harvard’s favor after a kill from sophomore outside hitter Branden Clemens began a 4-0 run that put the Crimson up 24-18. A service error by the Scarlet Knights closed out the set.

Harvard came out strong in the second set and controlled the tempo from the start. Another Clemens kill started a 6-0 run for the team, and Rutgers-Newark never reduced the gap to less than five.

The third set resembled the second in form, with Harvard taking advantage of an early 4-0 run to go up 6-1. Two more 5-0 runs later in the set allowed Harvard to cruise to a comfortable 11-point victory in the final game.

“It was a test of focus for sure,” Madden said. “There are teams in our league that we have to beat that just take focus. I think in any game [like that] you’re getting reps, you’re working on shots you wouldn’t try versus other teams. I think ultimately it’s a test of focus and willpower.”