PROVO, Utah — In their first ever matchup in NCAA men’s volleyball history, the No. 6 Cougars defeated the Crimson in three sets (25-21, 25-18, 25-15) on Saturday evening, maintaining their undefeated streak against Ivy League teams and marking their sixth sweep in the Smith Fieldhouse this season.
The Cougars hosted over 100 alumni this weekend, with former and current players gathering for a dinner program on Friday evening on BYU campus. BYU's former players were also highlighted during tonight's match in front of 4,869 fans.
"It’s been a busy weekend, with hosting all the alumni, so I appreciate our team’s focus through all that," said BYU head coach Shawn Olmstead. "I am proud of the guys for following through. We have to keep the pressure on, and in the second set we let them in a little bit. But overall it was a really good performance by our pins Luke and Miks. Teon was pretty remarkable in the middle as well. We are appreciative when any team is willing to come here and play us. It means a lot to me to have Harvard here."
Senior outside hitter Luke Benson led the way with a match-high nine kills on 15 attempts, finishing with a .500 hitting percentage and two aces. Miks Ramanis totaled eight kills and four blocks. Teon Taylor went six for seven on hitting, tying Ramanis with four blocks.
BYU secured a .393 team clip, holding Harvard to a season-low .026 hitting percentage. The Cougars also outblocked the Crimson, with 10 total blocks compared to Harvard's six.
BYU men's volleyball is now 6-0 all-time against Ivy League schools.