NEW YORK -- The Columbia volleyball team was defeated by Harvard in straight sets (25-15, 25-21, 28-26) on Friday night in Levien Gymnasium. 

The Crimson cruised through the first two sets, but the Lions would not go down without a fight. Although Columbia ultimately came up short, the team's resolve showed and it resulted in a set of the year candidate in the third game.

The third set began with Harvard in front 10-6, but the Lions slowly chipped away and cut the lead to ust 14-13. From there, Columbia would go on a 3-0 run which included kills from Logan Harlock and Juliana Williamson, as well as a solo block from Ruby van der Heide which brought the fans out of their seats. The Lions would extend their lead to 19-16, in part thanks to a kill from Eva Atkins that kept the crowd roaring, but the Crimson had a quick answer. They would score five of the next seven points to tie things up at 21-21. It was Hailee Watts this time that sparked Columbia, crushing a kill to put the Lions back in front and igniting a 3-1 to give Columbia set point at 24-22. Once again Harvard answered, this time with a 3-0 lead which set the Crimson up with match point. Harvard would have two match points that were fended off thanks to clutch kills from Soah Franklin and Harlock, but ultimately the Crimson would go on to win 28-26. 

Harlock led the Lions in the match with 12 kills. Atkins, Williamson, and Franklin each chipped in five kills. Van der Heide had a match-high 24 assists. Delaney Seamen paced Columbia with eight digs. 

Ashley Wang notched a triple-double for Harvard, collecting 11 kills, 16 assists, and 10 digs. 

The Lions are back at it tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. against Dartmouth in Levien. 

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