But Harvard ended the Panthers comeback in the decisive fifth set, recapturing the momentum for an exciting 3-2 win over the hosts. Docter, Cooney, and Skelly again led the offense, with 17, 11, and 13 kills respectively, while Kinsella added a notable 50 assists. Fryhofer worked well on both ends, posting 13 blocks and six kills for the Crimson in the victory.

“By the second match, we had a lot more confidence and had gotten more used to playing with each other,” Fryhofer said. “We had to fight back again ... but we came out really strong.”

COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON 3, HARVARD 2

After entering its opening weekend with high hopes, Harvard left its first match with a sense of disappointment, after falling to the College of Charleston in a thrilling but ultimately losing endeavor.

The Crimson came out with a bang, securing the first two games of the match, 25-19 and 25-23, respectively, and it looked as if it would have smooth sailing to a 1-0 record, but the Cougars came back with a bite.

The College of Charleston opened the third set on a 8-1 run that culminated in a dominant 25-13 win.

Harvard fell behind again in the fourth set, only to recover and level the playing field at 21 and again at 22, before finally losing following a Cougar ace.

Both teams went back and forth in the final game, tying at 10-10, but the College of Charleston answered with three kills that effectively determined the match. A final kill from the Cougars decided the 15-12 victory.

It was a disappointing start, but a start that did not determine the tone for the remainder of the tournament for a young Crimson squad.

“I thought it was one of the best preseason tournaments Harvard has had since I’ve been here,” Fryhofer said. “It’s a good indicator that we can hold our own against strong teams ... and persevere in tough situations.”

—Staff writer B. Marjorie Gullick can be reached at gullick@college.harvard.edu.