No. 9 UC Santa Barbara Defeats Men's Volleyball, 3-0

Nikola Ivica recorded three digs and two block assists (photo courtesy of DSPics.com).

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - The Harvard men's volleyball team lost to No. 9 UC Santa Barbara, 3-0, Thursday night at the Malkin Athletic Center. Senior Erik Kuld led the Crimson with 13 kills in the loss.

In the opening set, Harvard (0-7) jumped out to an early 10-5 lead before the Gouchos (7-8) scored two unanswered points. The teams traded points as Harvard built a 19-14 lead. A Crimson service error sparked a 9-2 run by the Gouchos as they regained the lead at 23-21. Harvard was unable to battle back as the Gouchos came away with a 30-26 win.

The second set featured seven ties and one lead change until the Gouchos went on a 10-3 run to pull away with a 27-19 lead. Harvard was unable to get much closer as UC Santa Barbara came away with a 30-22 win. The third and final set again saw seven ties and one lead change as the teams traded points in the beginning. The Goucho's defense remained strong as four blocks stopped momentum from the Crimson offense. The Gouchos won the match with a 30-21 score in the final set.

Sophomore Matt Jones recorded 11 kills on the night and posted three blocks. Freshman Rob Lothman handed out 27 assists. Kuld and Jones led the team in digs, with four each.

Harvard opens EIVA Hay Division play on Saturday as it hosts Rutgers-Newark. First serve is slated for 3 p.m.