Santa Barbara, Calif. – Harvard Men’s Volleyball faced a tough challenge against UC Santa Barbara on Saturday, January 10. Despite their efforts, they fell short.
The match kicked off with Harvard gaining the first point, setting a positive tone. The teams exchanged points, but Harvard eventually pulled ahead. Although UC Santa Barbara closed the gap, the Crimson ended the first set strong, thanks to a service ace by Brian Thomas.
In the second set, the Gauchos gained momentum and maintained control, leaving Harvard trailing behind.
For Harvard, Sawyer Nichols stood out offensively. He recorded nine kills with an impressive .391 hitting percentage. Quinn Bishop wasn’t far behind, contributing eight kills at .348. Zach Berty and Owen Woolbert each added seven kills, with Woolbert boasting a remarkable .700 hitting percentage. Brian Thomas scored three kills at .600, and he and Bishop played strong defense with key blocks at the net.
As the season progresses, experts note that teamwork will be crucial for the Crimson. Volleyball coach Jason Smith highlighted the importance of communication and collaboration in his post-match comments: “Every set is a chance to learn. We need to support each other and build on our strengths.”
Looking ahead, Harvard is set to host Manhattan University for their home opener on January 16 and 17 at the Malkin Athletic Center. Both matches promise to be exciting as the Crimson aim to bounce back.
As the season unfolds, fans are hoping for an upward trend. Last season, the Crimson saw an increase in attendance, with an 18% rise in fan turnout at home games. This support could be a game-changer as the team works to improve their performance.
Stay tuned as Harvard continues to make strides this season!
