MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. -- Three Crusaders tallied eight kills each and Belmont Abbey combined for 10 total blocks, leading to a 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-21) victory at Mount Olive in Conference Carolinas men's volleyball action Friday night.

With the victory, The Abbey sweeps of the regular-season series with the Trojans and improves to 12-4 overall, 7-1 in league play. UMO falls to 8-7, 5-2

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Zach Puentes, Caden Day and Leyton Ritchie each had eight kills, combining to hit .353 as a trio. Ritchie led the way connecting at a .545 clip (8k-2e-11a).
• Puentes served two aces with Joseph Morris and Day adding one each.
• Morris spearheaded the attack with 30 assists, adding three kills of his own.
• Day was the defensive leader with a career-high 11 digs. He reached double figures at 10 twice last year.
• Alejandro Leon recorded seven digs with Puentes adding five.
• Richie and TJ Neville tallied five blocks each with Jibriel Elhaddad adding four. He also had five kills without an error in nine chances.

UP NEXT

• The Crusaders stay on the road in Eastern North Carolina to face Barton tomorrow.
• The Abbey will be looking to avenge its only league loss, 3-2 to the Bulldogs back on February 27.