BELMONT ABBEY - The Mount Olive men's volleyball team went toe-to-toe with one of the league's top programs but ultimately fell 3–0 to Belmont Abbey Crusaders, the conference's preseason favorite, on Saturday afternoon at the Wheeler Center.

Despite the straight-set result, Mount Olive showed stretches of strong play throughout the match, particularly in the opening set, where the Trojans stayed within striking distance before Belmont Abbey closed out a 25–20 decision. The second set followed a similar pattern, as Mount Olive fought through long rallies and defensive sequences but was edged out 25–18.

The third set proved to be the most competitive of the afternoon, with the Trojans pushing the Crusaders deep into extra points. Mount Olive matched Belmont Abbey point for point late, but the home team narrowly secured the set 27–25 to complete the sweep.

Kory Grant led Mount Olive with 15 kills to go along with two digs and one block assist, while Brooks Ignosci followed with seven kills. Senior setter Jackson Lahey directed the offense with 20 assists and added six digs, and libero Luca Colombo anchored the back row with a team-high 10 digs.

The Trojans will take a brief two-week break before returning to action at the Outrigger Invitational hosted by the University of Hawai?i. Mount Olive will open the tournament against Hawai?i Rainbow Warriors on Thursday, March 12 at 7 p.m. HT (12 a.m. EST), before facing UCLA Bruins on Friday, March 13 at 4 p.m. HT (9 p.m. EST), and Lewis Flyers on Saturday, March 14 at 4 p.m. HT (9 p.m. EST).