BELMONT, N.C. -- Belmont Abbey earned three pins and won four of the other seven matches to defeat UNC Pembroke 31-11 Saturday in ECAC Wrestling action at the Wheeler Center. The Crusaders defeated the Braves for the first time in program history.

 After dropping the 125-lb. match, Belmont Abbey came back to win three straight matches. Justin Payne won 6-1 at 133 followed by Troy Gregor posting an 11-1 major decision at 141 for a 7-3 Crusader lead. Travis Allen continued the run, pinning his opponent at 149 for a 13-3 advantage.

UNC Pembroke won in a major decision at 157 pounds to make the score 13-7, but Greg Hilliard pinned his opponent at 165 and Jake Glunt won a 5-4 decision at 174 for a 22-7 lead for The Abbey.

The Braves took the 184 bout but Michael Siwiec secured the win for Belmont Abbey with his first collegiate pin at 197 lbs. Chaas Delgado collected a 3-0 decision giving The Abbey the 31-11 win.

Belmont Abbey will travel to Fort Wayne, Ind. For the NWCA Collegiate Duals January 4.