BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Caden Day and Zach Puentes reached double figures in kills to lead second-seeded Belmont Abbey past No. 3 Barton 3-0 (26-24, 25-21, 25-23) in the semifinal round of the 2025 Conference Carolinas Men's Volleyball Tournament, hosted by King.

The victory sets up a match tomorrow at 3 p.m. against regular-season champion Mount Olive for the league title and automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Trojans swept both matches during the regular season.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Day registered 14 kills and a .318 hitting percentage, while adding seven digs -- tied for the team lead. His double-figure effort was his sixth of the season, including all three matches against Barton this season.
• Puentes added 11 kills and six digs. He also served a team-high two aces and had four assists.
• Joseph Morris directed the office with 36 assists, with six kills and six digs.
• Garrett Hockman registered seven kills and three blocks.
• Christian Rodriguez shared the team lead in digs with seven, one off his season high.

UP NEXT

• Belmont Abbey is making is second straight -- and third overall -- championship-game appearance.
• The 2025 title matchup is a repeat of the 2021 final with No.2 Belmont Abbey defeated No. 1 Mount Olive at King.