MOUNT OLIVE, N.C.--  The University of Mount Olive took down the Crusaders of Belmont Abbey College 3-2 to advance to the Semi Finals of the Conference Carolinas Tournament. This win takes the Trojans to 15-6 overall and 11-3 in conference. 

The Crusaders opened up set one with an early 7-3 lead. UMO took a two-point run to remain within two of Belmont Abbey 8-6. A Trojan kill from Pedro Gonzalez brought the Trojans within one of BAC 10-9. The Crusader defense held off Mount Olive until a UMO service ace tied the set at 15. The Crusaders took a late three-point run 20-17. The lead was too large for the Trojans to overcome as Belmont Abbey took set one 25-20. 

Mount Olive found their momentum as they opened set two with a massive 6-1 lead. After the hustle from the Trojan defense, the lead grew to 10-4. The momentum stayed on the side of UMO as they took a 24-18 lead with the set point. Mount Olive closed out set two 25-19. 

The Trojans saw the first three points in set three 3-0. The dominating Trojan offense extended the lead 6-2. The two Conference Carolinas teams went point-for-point until the Crusaders took a two-point run 14-11. Belmont Abbey found the late momentum to take a four-point run to put them within two of the Trojans, 17-15. UMO remained in control for the remainder of the set, winning 25-20. 

The Crusaders came into set four with intensity taking an early 5-2 lead. As the two Conference Carolinas teams went, point-for-point Belmont Abbey found their momentum to take a two-point run 11-7. Down by four, UMO took the one-point lead 14-13 with a service ace from Tyran Gillespie. BAC took control and won set four 25-23. 

The Crusaders opened the fifth and final set with a 4-2 lead. UMO found some intensity and took a crucial three-point run to take the 6-5 lead. Mount Olive did not stop there as another four-point UMO run gave them a 10-6 lead. Mount Olive remained in control and took set five and the match 15-10.  

MOUNT OLIVE LEADERS

Tobi Azeez led the Trojans with 20 kills, while Jarrod Ferguson had 43 assists. 

CRUSADERS LEADER

Motteo Miselli led the Crusaders with 26 kills.  

UP NEXT

The Trojans will head to the semi fianls of the Conference Carolinas Tournament on Friday at 7:30 PM in Kornegay Arena.