Box Score
by Kevin Buczek
MOUNT OLIVE, N.C.-Freshman outside hitter Zach McCalla had team-high totals of six kills, four digs and two block assists for Barton College in the programs first Conference Carolinas men's volleyball match, a 3-0 (25-18, 25-11, 25-10) loss at Mount Olive College on Tuesday evening in Kornegay Arena.
The two-time defending league champion Trojans improved to 2-2 overall and 1-0 in the conference on the strength of 14 kills and an impressive six service aces by senior John Nunns.
The Bulldogs (0-4, 0-1) will be seeking a first win in program history when Barton hosts league foe Pfeiffer University in the first men's volleyball match in Wilson Gymnasium on Wednesday, February 1 at 7 p.m.
Barton was held to a negative hitting percentage for the second straight match at -.096. Mount Olive picked up its second three-set win against the Bulldogs this season by attacking at a staggering .459 assault.
The Bulldogs had the score deadlocked three times early in the first set including at 4-4 on a McCalla spike but Mount Olive won six of the next seven points to double up Barton at 10-5. A freshman Jordan Robinson ace kept the Bulldogs within striking distance at 13-10 but the hosts took the next three points and held on for the seven-point win.
A sophomore Alx Draughan ace to start middle tilt gave Barton its only set lead of the match at 1-0. The Trojans rattled off nine of the next 10 serves to take control at 10-2. Mount Olive carried the momentum into the third set by closing out the second with five straight points.
Mount Olive won the first two points of the final frame and never wavered leading 12-2 and 19-4 before closing out the match with the 15-point win. The Trojans hit .600 in the third.
Robison registered 13 assists and four digs. Draughan and freshman T.J. Daley chipped in three kills apiece for the Royal Blue and White. Draughan served up a team-best three aces and Robison added two aces. Freshman Tanner Medina tied Daley with two block assists.
Mount Olive senior Jackson Metichechhia set up the hosts offense with 31 assists. A trio of Trojans totaled five kills including Renzo Rossato, Adam Miracle and Jack Tutty.
