Harvard will be seeking its best start since the 2000 season against Springfield Monday (photo courtesy Gil Talbot).

The Particulars
The Harvard men's volleyball team will wrap up its season-opening seven-match home stand, hosting AVCA Division III No. 1 Springfield Monday evening.

Scouting the Crimson
Harvard improved to 5-1 in 2011, equaling the best start since the 2004 season, after downing Stevens Saturday. The 3-0 victory over the Ducks was the first sweep of the season for the Crimson.

Seven Harvard student-athletes recorded a kill against Stevens, led by Matt Jones who tallied 15. Chris Gibbons added nine kills, while Kyle Rehkemper and Nick Madden each slammed home seven.

Jones became the first Harvard player to be credited with 100 points this season for the Crimson after the match against Stevens. Jones averages 4.6 points per set. Gibbons and Rehkemper follow behind, each averaging 3.2 points per set.

Scouting The Pride
Springfield, the AVCA Division III No. 1 ranked team, is 3-8 this season. The Pride compete in the EIVA Tait Division.

The Pride is coming off a stunning 3-2 loss to Philadelphia Biblical Saturday. It is the third straight loss for Springfield after falling to Sacred Heart and George Mason.

Alberto Bravo leads the Pride with a 2.76 kills per set average. Cal Palumbo also averages over two kills per set (2.03). Palumbo leads Springfield with 39 blocks this season, while Greg Falcone is second with 36.

Renewing Success
The Crimson will be going for its first 6-1 start since the 2000 season. Harvard finished that season 13-7.

Serving Kings
Harvard is currently tied atop the EIVA statistical standings in service aces per set. The Crimson shares the lead with Rutgers-Newark with each team averaging 1.68 aces per set.

Up Next
The Crimson will be the visiting team for the first time Feb. 18 when it takes the court at St. Francis.