Women’s Volleyball Edged Out by Harvard

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — The Merrimack College Women’s Volleyball team fell to Harvard University despite a strong effort in the fifth set.

The Basics

Score: Harvard 3, Merrimack 2

Records: Merrimack (0-5), Harvard (2-0)

Rapid Recap

The first set remained close in the first half with both teams trading points. The Warriors extended their lead with back-to-back service aces from Julz Carlat and a series of kills by Hannah Webber to pull away 23-19. The Warriors would clean up the set by capitalizing off Crimson service errors, winning 25-1. The second set began competitively with both teams trading equal blows. Harvard would pull away in the second half with a string of kills and a service ace to make the score 16-21. The Warriors showed perseverance cutting the Crimson lead to a single point. Despite their effort, Harvard would come away with the win, 24-22.

The Warriors took the early lead in the third set. Harvard began to close the gap capitalizing off minor errors from the Warrior’s side. The Warriors fought back keeping the game tight, but could not put a stop to the Ivy League. Harvard would win the third set 24-20. Merrimack had a strong showing in the fourth set by tallying seven straight points to claim an 11-4 lead over the Crimson. Ella Gizmunt would deliver the final kill to win the set 25-20.

The fifth and final set of the match began tight however, the Crimson would command a 9-3 lead over the warriors. The Warriors battled to the end but ultimately could not close the gap. The…