MOUNT OLIVE, N.C- The University of Mount Olive men's volleyball team defeated the Bulldogs of Barton College 3-2 in a five-set slugfest Wednesday night inside Kornegay Arena. The win breaks an almost five year losing streak to Barton as the last win for the Trojans against the Bulldogs came on April 5, 2016, a 3-1 victory for UMO.
GAME INFORMATION
Mount Olive lost the opening point and saw Barton open up to an 11-7 lead. The Bulldogs held control of the entire set only allowing UMO to come as close as three points in the set as they won set one 25-20.
The second set had the Trojans lose the opening point, but then take the next three points on their way to pushing out to a 14-9 advantage. Barton took the next two points and saw the deficit fall to four, that was the closest they got as UMO closed out the set, ending on a 4-0 run.
In the third UMO exploded to a 13-4 lead after taking the first three points of the set. Barton tried to battle back but never lowered the deficit to under eight as the Trojans took set three 25-17.
The fourth set was an all-out battle between the arch rivals. After Barton took the opening point, UMO used a 4-0 and a 3-0 run early on to hold a slim 13-10 lead. The momentum shifter of the match was at point 16-15 in favor UMO which can be seen below.
Following the point UMO held a three point lead, which did evaporate as up 22-19 The Bulldogs ended the set on a 6-to-1 run to force a tie-breaking fifth set, however the momentum was still ever present with UMO.
In the final set the two squads went blow for blow until point 13 when UMO used three unanswered to take a 8-7 lead. Their lead expanded to 13-9 after another 3-0 run and even after Barton came with a point at 13-12, the Trojans closed out the match with the final two points to win the match 3-2.
Mount Olive Leaders
The Trojans were led by Tobi Azeez with 20 kills, 13 digs and three aces.
Barton Leaders
The Bulldogs were led by Adrian Iglesias with 23 kills.
Key Moment
The key moment of the match came in the fourth after a minute long rally that put the momentum in favor of UMO, despite them losing the set, as they clearly had the advantage heading into and taking the final set.
Coaches Comments
"It's a good feeling to know we can beat a good program, but it was obvious there are things we need to work on. It's our first time beating Barton (myself and current players) so we are relieved to get that monkey off our backs. I would expect a similar battle next time we play at their place, but hopefully it is a lot cleaner from both sides," said head coach Ali'i Keohohou.
Up Next
Mount Olive will hit the road again to take on Emmanuel College on February 26 at 6:30 p.m. in Franklin Springs, Ga.
