BELMONT, N.C. – The Belmont Abbey men's volleyball team started off its 2022 season with a strong opening match, completing a sweep of Long Island University, 25-16, 25-17, 25-25, Monday night at the Wheeler Center. It was also the first career victory for head coach Derek Sullivan, who was making his head coaching debut at The Abbey.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Matteo Miselli finished with a match-high 13 kills in the victory. The junior also finished with a .478 hitting percentage and had four block assists.
• The Crusaders took control of the match early by jumping out to an early 8-3 lead in the first set.
• The Abbey closed the first set strong by earning three of the last four points in the first set.
• Jake Somers gave the Crusaders a boost with an ace to open the second set. He also added seven kills and a solo block.
• The Crusaders also were strong defensively, finishing with 14 block assists and a pair of solo blocks.
• Matthew Maxwell finished with a match-high 25 assists.
• Brian Knoerr led the Crusaders with six digs. The Abbey held a 20-11 advantage over Long Island in that category. 
• Belmont Abbey was also able to put together a strong start in the third set by taking an early 3-0 lead that later grew to an 11-4 advantage.

UP NEXT

• Belmont Abbey will face off against Long Island for a second straight night in a match at 7 p.m. Tuesday back at the Wheeler Center.
• The Crusaders open the season with three straight home matches. The Abbey will host Carolina University at 7 p.m. Thursday.