CAMBRIDGE, MA—NJIT had three players record double-digit kills but it wasn't enough as Harvard's Griffin Schmit registered a double-double – match-best 20 kills and 15 digs in the Crimson's 3-2 five-set victory over visiting NJIT Saturday afternoon at Malkin Athletic Center.

Harvard picks up its third win in the EIVA, moving to 3-2 and 3-8 overall while the Highlanders drop its third straight, falling to 0-3 in the EIVA and 4-7 overall.

The Crimson won the first set, 25-18, but the Highlanders bounced back to take the second frame, 25-21, knotting the match at 1-1.  Harvard went up 2-1 with a 25-16 victory in the third stanza but NJIT battled back and forced a fifth and deciding set with a 25-19 victory in the fourth set.  Harvard closed out of the match with a 15-12 victory in the fifth set to secure the 3-2 win.

Midway through the fifth set, the visitors held a 9-8 advantage after a kill by Gimeno.  The home team scored the next three points, taking a three-point lead, 11-9.  After a point by the Highlanders, Harvard closed out the set on a 4-2 spurt, registering the 15-12 victory in the fifth frame.

Schmit registered a match-high 20 kills, hitting .415 for the match while junior Matthew Ctvrtlik tallied 46 assists and freshman Jason Shen recorded a career-high 19 digs. Senior Trevor Dow set career-highs in both solo blocks (four) and total blocks (10).

NJIT was led by a team-best 18 kills and nine digs from sophomore outside hitter Alvaro Gimeno.  Piotr Namiotko followed with 15 kill and eight digs while freshman Jens Feldthus added 11 kills and six digs. 

Middle Luca Berger combined for nine kills, six digs and three total blocks (all assists).  Freshman setter Roque Nido piled up a team-high 47 assists and added six digs for the Highlanders.

NJIT will continue it stretch of five matches on the road, visiting Saint Francis U and Penn State next weekend.  NJIT will travel to the Red Flash on Friday and Penn State on Saturday.  Both matches are slated for 7pm.