Belmont, N.C.--  The University of Mount Olive fell to the Crusaders of Belmont Abbey College 3-1 in Conference Carolinas action on Tuesday. This loss takes the Trojans to 5-10 overall and 0-5 in conference.

1st Set
The Crusaders of Belmont Abbey got out to a strong 4-1 lead over Mount Olive. The Trojans battled back by scoring five straight points with a kill from Amara Eziakonwa 8-5. UMO did not stop there, as they were able to capitalize on the Belmont Abbey mistakes with a score of 11-6 in favor of the Trojans. A seven point run by the Crusaders was stopped by Ele'sia Williams with a kill as the Trojans took a one point lead 13-12. UMO allowed the Crusaders to regain their momentum and the first set 25-23.

2nd Set
Mount Olive had a slow start in set two falling down by two 3-1 to Belmont Abbey. A kill by freshman Trojan Ashlyn Stone got the offense started for UMO as they went within one point of the Crusaders 11-10. Belmont Abbey errors allowed the Trojans to tie the score 11-11. Mount Olive had a 10 point run in which they took their first lead of set two 23-17. Not much was heard from the Crusaders as Mount Olive took set two 25-19. 

3rd Set
The third set was nothing but thrilling as the two teams went back and forth until Trojans errors gave Belmont Abbey the lead 7-4. Not much was heard from the Trojans for the remainder of the set as they lost set three 25-12.

4th Set
UMO came out hard in set four as they went out to a 4-1 lead from Crusader errors. The Trojan offense ran by Jenna Myer dominated as they took the lead 10-9. After a four point run from the Trojans starting with a kill from Amara Eziakonwa, UMO was down by two 17-15. These Conference Carolinas teams battled it out until the Crusaders were able to take the set and the match 25-22.


Coaches Comments
"Tried some new things tonight, got some good data on if this change can work! We're growing and remaining positive. Two more opportunities to get better Friday and Saturday."
 

MOUNT OLIVE LEADERS
Amara Eziakonwa led the Trojans with 13 kills. 
Jenna Myer had 31 assists and Morgan Prots had 21 digs. 

CRUSADERS LEADERS
Paige Rawlins led Belmont Abbey with 33 assists.

Key Stat
Mount Olive fell to Belmont Abbey in every statistical category except hitting percentage in the fourth set beating the Crusaders .083 to .043.

UP NEXT
The Trojans return home for more Conference Carolinas against Southern Wesleyan University on October 8th at 6:00 P.M.