ARLINGTON, Va. – The Cal volleyball team won its first two matches of the Service Academy Challenge inside The Pentagon on Friday, coming back to beat Harvard 18-25, 23-25, 28-26, 25-18, 15-9 then defeating Army 21-25, 25-20, 25-14, 25-19.

The victories improved the Bears' record to 5-3. Cal meets Air Force on Saturday to close out the tournament.

“I'm very pleased with the outcome and the process,” Cal coach Rich Feller said. “We had some struggles, but we were able to work through it even in the face of defeat. That was gratifying that there is hope that we can become a much better team as we continue through this process of sharing, trusting each other and fighting together.”

The win over Harvard marked the second time this season the Bears have come from two sets down to win a match. They did the same thing last weekend against UNLV at the Kansas State Tournament.

Cal got positive contributions from sophomore outside hitter Christine Alftin and junior middle blocker Jenelle Jordan in the win over the Crimson. Jordan didn't start but entered the match near the end of the second set and proved to be a difference-maker.

 “Jenelle has an infectious attitude that goes a long way,” Feller said. “She injected trust and continuity into the match.”

In the victory over the Black Knights, sophomore defensive specialist Hannah Aguirre made her college debut and provided a boost to the Bears' passing and defense.

“Hannah has been really solid in practice,” Feller said. “She's been hurt a little bit but was able to make the trip this week. She is so excited about being out there and truly loves playing volleyball. Like Jenelle, her attitude is also infectious.”

The tournament is being played at the Pentagon Athletic Center, the underground recreational facility. The team must go through a thorough security screening before each match and is escorted to and from the gym through the Pentagon each time. Military personnel have been on hand to watch each match.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Feller said. “For pretty much all of us, this will be the only time we get to go inside The Pentagon. It has been a really unique experience and we are really grateful for this opportunity. It's not a right that is bestowed upon us – it's an amazing opportunity that we have been given.”