WILSON, N.C. -- Belmont Abbey continued to stay hot in Conference Carolinas play Saturday with a 3-0 (25-14, 25-23, 25-21) sweep of Barton. The Crusaders hit .342 in the contest, the fifth time this season they have topped .300.

With the win -- the 10th in 12 games -- The Abbey improves to 14-4 overall and 9-1 in league play. The Bulldogs fall to 10-9, 5-5.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Matthew Staskunas and Zach Puentes combined for 26 of the Crusaders 37 kills (13 each).
• Staskunas added four blocks and one service ace to his stat line.
• Joseph Morris dished all 34 of the team's assists. He also had a service ace and three block assists.
• Ryan Charles led the defensive effort with six digs, while also serving the Crusaders' third ace. 
• Jibriel Elhaddad registered four blocks (two solo and two assists) and four kills, while Ethan Rehmann was credited with three blocks (all assisted).
• The win guaranteed the Crusaders no worse than a home game in the first round of the Conference Carolinas Tournament. They hold a two-game lead in the standings with four matches remaining.

UP NEXT

• Belmont Abbey plays its final conference road game on Wednesday night before taking a weekend break for Easter.
• The Crusaders travel to Emmanuel for a 7 p.m. contest. They won the first meeting, 3-0, at home on Feb. 10.