Joe Herger `00 and Ed Pankau `00: Athletes of the Week

At the start of last week, the men's volleyball team was in a tailspin. The Crimson had lost three straight games to EIVA opponents and was in danger of squandering a promising season.

Going into the final three home games of the season and a tough league match on the road, Harvard seniors Joe Herger and Ed Pankau stepped up their intensity this week and carried their team to four wins and first place in their division.

With typical efficiency and leadership, outside hitter Herger and co-captain middle blocker Pankau led the Crimson in all major offensive and defensive categories.

For the four matches this week, Herger amassed 77 kills to Pankau's 71. Pankau had six aces to Herger's four. Herger contributed 47 digs, while Pankau dominated with seven solo blocks and 22 block assists.

On paper, Herger and Pankau were unstoppable.

However, what really distinguished their performances from other outstanding efforts were their determination and resolve in clutch situations.

On Saturday, in their final home game, Herger and Pankau were presented with a 10-12 deficit against Queens in the fifth and decisive game. Instead of collapsing under the withering pressure of the Queens assault, Herger and Pankau rose to the occasion.

"I remember telling Ed we were going to win the game," Herger said. "He just nodded his head and I knew it was time to finish our home careers with pride."

After rallying to tie the score at 14, Herger elevated to unleash a thunderous kill that gave Harvard a 15-14 lead. Pankau followed Herger's lead by winning the match on an exclamatory solo block down the middle.

"Joe and Ed both made some terrific plays at crucial moments that helped us win the last home match of their Harvard careers," Harvard Coach Tom Wilson said. "Those are memories I hope those two carry with them for the rest of their lives."

In a similarly gritty fashion, Herger and Pankau led Harvard to a tough 3-2 marathon win on Sunday versus league rival Sacred Heart. With Pankau's 21 kills and six block assists and Herger's 19 kills and 18 digs, the Crimson was able to pull out an important win that kept Harvard alive for an EIVA playoff spot.

What is truly impressive though, is the level of mutual respect between Herger and Pankau.

"Joe is one of the best players in the east, and the team is sorely going to miss him," Pankau said.

"Ed is definitely the best player on the team," Herger said. "I have truly enjoyed playing with him for all four years."

Aside from missing each other, both Herger and Pankau will be sorely missed by the men's volleyball program. As they say "aloha" to Harvard, they can rest assured that they saved their best performances for last.