FRANKLIN SPRINGS, Ga. -- Robert Nixon had 13 kills, but Belmont Abbey fell by the slimmest of margin 3-0 (27-25, 26-24, 25-23) in men's volleyball action Monday night.

Pierce Pliapol tallied 25 assists, while David Radoszewski added eight digs. Brennan Beyner registered six blocks.

The tightly-contested match went down to the wire in each set with the first two requiring extra points. In the opener, Belmont Abbey led 23-22, but the Lions scored back-to-back points to take the lead. After the Crusaders tied the score at 24 and 25, Emmanuel used consecutive points to win the first set.

The Crusaders were up 23-21 in the second when the Lions again rallied. They scored three in a row for a 24-23 lead, then answered the tying Belmont Abbey point with consecutive kills.

For a third straight time, Belmont Abbey led late, 23-22 in the third, but Emmanuel closed out the match with the final three points.

Belmont Abbey continues its road swing Thursday night with a trip to Erskine.