BELMONT, NC -- Carolina University Men's Volleyball opened the 2022 campaign at NCAA DII Belmont Abbey. The Crusaders entered the match at 2-0 after wins against Long Island earlier in the week. The Bruins hung tough early, but a mid set run by Belmont Abbey led to a 25-16 first set victory. Again, Carolina University was close but faltered late to drop the second set 18-25. The Crusaders found their groove in the third and had runs of 6-0 and 5-0 that resulted in a 25-15 victory. The Crusaders earned the overall 3-0 victory in the match.

Despite dropping the match, Carolina University looked vastly improved from last season. The Bruins faired far better in terms of stats and eye test, which is leading to great optimism about 2022. Returner, Tijhmir Glasco posted a match-high 20 assists against just 2 set errors. Another returner, Ronald Smart, had a strong presence at the net with a match-high 4 blocks. Newcomers, Landen Ensminger, Raheem Thomas, and Bryson Abernathy had huge impacts on this match. Ensminger had a match-high 8 kills and also threw in 3 blocks. Thomas earned 6 kills. Abernathy did a bit of everything for the Bruins and had 3 kills, 2 blocks, and 2 digs.

Carolina University (0-1) will next play on Saturday, January 22nd. The Bruins will play 3 matches that day in Lebanon, TN. They are due to face Kentucky State University at 10AM, Cumberland University at 1PM, and Milligan College at 5PM.