NEW YORK – Saj McBurrows followed up a 16-kill performance on Friday night with a 17-kill performance on Saturday night as Columbia volleyball (4-12, 1-6) contended with Harvard (4-11, 3-4) through four sets. The Crimson defeated the Lions 3-1.
 
All of the sets won by the Crimson were decided by three or fewer points. The Lion gained offensive contributions from numerous players. Kiara Robichaud had 13 kills. Aidan Conner went for nine. Harper Justema and Eva Atkins each had eight.

Ruby van der Heide and Cadence Gronski both eclipsed 20 assists, while Vanessa Pan and Robichaud both posted double-digit digs.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Lions built a 10-4 lead in the first set. Harvard went on an 8-1 run from there, taking the lead. Columbia responded with two consecutive points, making it 13-12. Another outburst from the Crimson helped it regain the advantage. The Lions clawed their way back, tying the set at 22. Robichaud and Logan Harlock recorded three consecutive kills. Harvard scored three of the next four points, taking the set 25-23.
 
The second was not much different. The teams went back-and-forth, resulting in 15 tied scores and six lead changes. A major turning point in the set was when Harvard tallied three consecutive points with the score tied at 18. The Crimson held that three-point edge for the rest of the set, winning 25-22.
 
Just like last night, Columbia did not go down without a fight. With the third set tied at 10, the Lions went for four straight points, getting kills from McBurrows and Conner during the run. The Crimson cut the lead to within two points but that would be the smallest margin for the remainder of the set. Up 19-17, the Lions scored four straight points, capped off by a Robichaud kill. Columbia won 25-18.
 
The tension rose in the fourth set. The Columbia fans were electric, trying to will the Lions to even the match at two. Columbia fed off that energy, consistently battling back after facing multiple deficits. Harvard was up 24-22 and the Lions were able to even the set. The teams swapped points over the next six rallies. Harvard won 29-27.
 
Up Next
The Lions host Cornell on Saturday, October 22 at 2:00 p.m. for a homecoming weekend matchup.