DUE WEST, S.C. -- Matteo Miselli tallied a season-high 25 kills. hitting .232, but Belmont Abbey dropped a close 3-2 (25-16, 20-25, 20-25, 25-20, 20-18) decision at Erskine Wednesday night in Conference Carolinas men's volleyball action.

The contest was the league opener for both teams. The Crusaders fall to 1-7 overall, while the Flying Fleet improve to 4-5.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Matthew Staskunas added nine kills, but also had 12 errors for a -.094 hitting percentage.
• Matthew Maxwell dished out a career-high 44 assists. He also had eight digs, served an ace, and registered three blocks.
• Daniel Cerqua led the defensive effort with 17 digs. Staskunas and Miselli joined Maxwell with eight digs.
• Ethan Rehmann was credited with seven blocks (two solo, five assists) and had five kills against no errors.
• In the fifth set, The Abbey led 12-9 late and had three match points (14-13, 16-15 and 17-16) before falling.

UP NEXT

• Belmont Abbey is at home for seven of its next nine matches.
• The Crusaders continue Conference Carolinas play with a matches against Mount Olive and Barton this weekend.