WILSON, N.C. – The Barton men's volleyball team (10-9, 5-5) suffered a 3-0 loss to Belmont Abbey (14-4, 9-1) Saturday afternoon in a Conference Carolinas contest at Wilson Gymnasium.
The Crusaders won over the Bulldogs by scores of 25-14, 25-23 and 25-11 to sweep the season series from the Bulldogs and remain alone at the top of the league standings.
Belmont Abbey was led by Matthew Staskunas (New Berlin, Wisc.) and Zach Puentes (Wellington, Fla.) as both finished with a match-high 13 kills while Joseph Morris (Bethesda, Md.) added 34 assists and the Crusaders hit .346 for the match and won their ninth straight league contest.
The Crusaders were also able to overcome the Bulldogs despite 15 service errors on the day.
Barton was paced by senior outside hitter
Brandon Johnston (Hawkes Bay, NEW ZEALAND) with nine kills while junior setter
Seth Deppe (Mukwonago, Wisc.) totaled 24 assists but the Bulldogs hit just .046 for the match in the losing effort.
Barton remains at home to take on Virginia Wesleyan on Tuesday evening beginning at 6:00 p.m., while Belmont Abbey travels to Franklin Springs, Ga., to face Emmanuel on Wednesday in a league contest starting at 7:00 p.m.
