BANNER ELK, N.C. – The Lees-McRae College men's volleyball team dropped a four-set decision to Belmont Abbey College (25-20, 25-23, 25-13, 25-17) in their first home contest of the season.
1st Set - The Bobcats jumped out to the early two to nothing lead over the Crusaders. After Belmont Abbey pushed ahead, Lees-McRae again regained the lead at 11-10. From this midpoint, the Crusaders rebounded to build a small cushion, leading 17-13. Although the Bobcats did close the gap, Belmont Abbey proved to be too much in the first, winning 25-20.
2nd Set - It was the Crusaders who came out firing early in the second, racing out to a seven to three lead. Lees-McRae did not go down easily as they came storming back to eventually tie the set at eight. Max Kuntz provided the highlight of the set with a massive block to again tie the set, this time at 14-14. From this point, the Crusaders found their stride and eventually won the tight set, 25-23.
3rd Set - After trading points early, Drew Sims provided the Bobcats with the kill to make the score 14-12 in favor of Lees-McRae. Sims again would get the kill later in the set to widen the Bobcats lead at 19-14. Lees-McRae was able to keep the Crusaders at bay and go on to win the set, 25-18.
4th Set - The final frame was controlled early by the Crusaders. Belmont Abbey was able to gain a 16-8 advantage midway through. Later in the set, Ethan Gardner came up with a big kill for the Bobcats, making the score 22-15. This play sparked a three point run for Lees-McRae but, Belmont Abbey overcame the Bobcats push, winning the set 25-17.
Next Up – Lees-McRae will return to action next Friday when they face Erskine at home. First serve from Banner Elk is set for 7 p.m.
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