Belmont Abbey junior Anthony Pippen led the Crusaders with 15 kills and Nolan Albrecht added 12, but the Erskine Flying Fleet won the last three sets after the Crusaders grabbed an early 1-0 lead for a 3-1 win this afternoon in Due West. Erskine improves to 15-4 overall and 11-2 in Conference Carolinas, while the Abbey slips to 9-10 overall and 5-6 in league play.

Set scores were 21-25, 25-21, 23-25 and 25-14.

The Crusaders seized the early 1-0 lead behind a robust .500 offensive attack, slamming down 13 kills on 22 attacks with just two errors. Erskine, which hit just .087 in the opening set, rallied with percentages of .229, .407 and .522 to win the match.

Pippen hit . 379 as he finished with 15 kills on 29 attacks with just four errors. Albrecht recorded 12 kills on 31 attacks with four errors (.258).  Derek Sullivan handed out 34 assists.

Defensively, libero Jon Lowenhagen led the way with eight digs with Albrecht adding five. The Crusaders made a strong showing at the net with 14 blocks, as Dustin Buell logged six block assists. Brennan Beyner added three and Justin Snyder finished with a pair. 

The Crusaders are back in action Tuesday when they welcome Emmanuel to the Wheeler Center.