Harvard Crimson men’s volleyball team lost a close five-set match to St. Thomas Aquinas Spartans on Saturday night at the Malkin Athletic Center. The contest ended 3–2 in favor of the Spartans, with set scores of 25–20, 25–16, 23–25, 18–25, and 15–11.
The opening set was closely contested, with both teams exchanging points. Harvard’s offense received contributions from Quinn Bishop, Sawyer Nichols, and Zach Berty. However, St. Thomas Aquinas managed a late surge to win the first set.
In the second set, Berty led Harvard’s attack with several kills while Bishop added two consecutive aces during a mid-set run. Despite these efforts, the Spartans maintained their lead and took the set for a 2–0 advantage.
Harvard responded in the third set by increasing serving pressure and recording three service aces. Berty continued to provide offense as Harvard narrowly won the set 25–23.
The fourth set saw Harvard perform efficiently on offense and defense. The team hit .364 and recorded five blocks at the net to slow down St. Thomas Aquinas’s attack, winning the set 25–18 to force a deciding fifth frame.
In the final set, both teams had extended rallies and strong defensive plays. Harvard produced multiple kills but could not convert key defensive stops into points as St. Thomas Aquinas pulled ahead late to secure victory with a score of 15–11.
Zach Berty led Harvard with 15 kills on a .324 hitting percentage along with seven digs. Sawyer Nichols contributed 14 kills and seven digs as well. Quinn Bishop hit .385 on seven kills and tallied three service aces; Thomas Phung had nine digs; Brian Thomas led at the net with four total blocks.
Despite losing, Harvard pushed St. Thomas Aquinas to five sets in what was one of its most competitive matches this season.
Harvard will take a week off before traveling to Lebanon, Illinois for two matches against McKendree Bearcats men’s volleyball that will be streamed on the Great Lakes Valley Conference Network.
