BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Belmont Abbey hit .327 overall, but trailed after the first and third sets before rallying for a 3-2 (21-25, 25-15, 20-25, 25-19, 15-10) victory over King in Conference Carolinas men's volleyball action Tuesday night.

The victory improved the Crusaders to 8-2 overall and 4-1 in league play, while the Tornado falls to 1-12, 1-4. With eight wins in 10 games, The Abbey matches the 2020 team for the best start in program history.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Matthew Staskunas led three players in double figures for kills with 12. He hit .360 (12k-3e-36a), while adding seven digs.
• Jibriel Elhaddad and Zach Puentes registered 11 and 10 kills, respectively.
• Joseph Morris dished out 41 assists, while adding seven kills, nine digs and eight blocks (one solo, seven assists). He also served an ace.
• The Crusaders hit. 500 in the first set and .591 in the second. King hit .210 overall, but only .038 in the decisive fifth set.

UP NEXT

• Belmont Abbey stays on the road for a Friday match against Lees-McRae.
• A win would secure the best start in school history as the 2020 team was defeated in its 11th contest.