CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Belmont Abbey opened its 2016 season Friday evening, battling in a pair of matches, before falling in a pair of five-set matches. The Crusaders dropped the opener 26-24, 24-26, 25-14, 22-25, 15-7 to Lander before a 23-25, 19-25, 27-25, 25-12, 15-9 setback to Augusta in the nightcap.

Against Lander, Belmont Abbey hit just .165 for the match, including .048 in the deciding set. Four players reached double figures in kills, led by Hannah Dubas with 15. Aimee Cloninger had 13, while Coreen Norwood added 12. Mackenzie Chrapliwy posted 10 kills. Gabby Martinez tallied 34 assists, while Sarah Kenney led in digs with 19.

In the nightcap, the Crusaders opened the match with wins in the first two sets, then dropped a heartbreaker in the third and never regained momentum. The Crusaders hit just .070 for the match, registering 48 kills to 35 assists. Chrapliwy and Dubas were the only players in double figures in kills with 15 and 10 respectively.

Belmont Abbey quickly gets a chance to rebound, facing Francis Marion at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow. The tournament concludes at 3 against Wingate.