Though the team suffered a loss overall, Power’s victory helped his fellow teammates to finish the season motivated for the upcoming CSA national championships.

“I think Gary’s win here should really get the guys sparked and galvanized and ready to go,” said freshman Thomas Mullaney, who plays for the Crimson in the No. 7 position.

Mullaney provided Harvard with its first individual victory of the day, beating his opponent in just three sets.

The freshman comfortably won his first set, 11-7, after gaining an early lead. The second set proved to be closer, and, though at one point the score was close, 9-8, Mullaney was able to hold onto his lead once again, winning 11-8.

The real battle for Mullaney was the third set in which he quickly found himself in a 7-4 hole.

But, working hard to power through and grab another victory, he came back to score seven of the next eight points to ultimately win the set, 11-8, and the match, 3-0.

Saturday’s game marked the last home match for captain Reed Endresen and fellow seniors Richard Hill, Eliot Buchanan, and Quentin Auerbach.

“The guys fought valiantly,” Way said. “We’re going to build on this. We’re going to [make] ourselves better in two weeks time for the national finals weekend.”

Though both of Saturday’s victories came from freshmen, the team still owes a great deal of its motivation and success to its senior leadership. Endresen is one of those seniors who has shown perseverance to the underclassman, starting out in the No. 5 spot but moved up to No. 2 shortly after winter break.

“If you want to get better you just have to work hard,” Power said. “[Reed] a good example to everyone.”

“I’ve got nothing but my praise for my captain,” Way said. “He’s done a stellar job. They’ll be big shoes to fill. I’m very proud of him.”