WILSON, N.C. -- Belmont Abbey enjoyed a balanced attack -- with four players tallying nine or more kills -- to hold off a late Barton rally in a 3-2 (25-20, 25-19, 22-25, 24-26, 15-13) victory over the Bulldogs in Conference Carolinas women's volleyball action Friday night. The match was the league opener for both teams.

With the win, The Abbey improves to 2-7, 1-0, while Barton falls to 1-6, 0-1.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Katie Brookins posted her first career double-double with 12 kills and 10 digs. The kills total tied her career high, while the digs number was her best in the first eight matches.
• Chloe Lowder and Cailyn Myers both reached double figures in kills with 10, while Bailey Rowe added a career-best nine.
• Ella Schellenberg notched her first double-double of the year with 44 assists and 11 digs.
• Lily Marsh set a school record with eight service aces, while leading the defensive effort with 13 digs.
• Lowder tallied five blocks, all solo, to set another school record.
• Riley Nichol chipped in 10 digs as well.
• Both of the Crusader wins this year have come in five-set matches.

UP NEXT

• Belmont Abbey concludes its opening weekend trip to Eastern North Carolina with a match at Chowan on Saturday.
• The start time between the Crusaders and Hawks is set for 2 p.m.