WILSON, N.C. – The Barton women's volleyball team (1-6, 0-1) suffered a five-set defeat to the hands of Belmont Abbey (2-7, 1-0), 3-2, Friday evening at Wilson Gymnasium in the Conference Carolinas and 2024 home opener.
The Crusaders won over the Bulldogs by scores of 25-20, 25-19, 22-25, 24-26 and 15-13 and were able to hold off the home team in the win.
Belmont Abbey was led by Katie Brookins (Simpsonville, S.C.) with 12 kills and 10 digs for a double-double and was one of four Crusaders with at least nine kills on the evening. Belmont Abbey's Ella Schellenberg (Jacksonville, Fla.) added 44 assists and 11 digs as the visitors snapped a six-match losing streak.
In addition, the Crusaders' Lily Marsh (Fletcher, N.C.) had eight of Belmont Abbey's 14 service aces.
Barton was paced by senior outside hitter
Henly Sleight (Jackson, Mich.)'s double-double – 16 kills and 11 digs – while senior right side hitter
Lily Haaga (Herriman, Utah) came through with 13 kills but the Bulldogs were hurt by 15 service errors in the setback.
In the next round of Conference Carolinas matches on Saturday afternoon beginning at 2:00 p.m., Barton hosts Converse while Belmont Abbey travels to Murfreesboro, N.C., to take on Chowan.
