In a thrilling five set match, the North Greenville Crusaders fell to the Mount Olive Trojans 3-2 in Mount Olive, North Carolina. The issue was in doubt as the Crusaders took the first two sets 25-23 and 26-24. However, the Trojans came storming back to win set three 32-30 and set four 25-23. NGU led early in the final set, but an 8-1 run by Mount Olive proved to be too much to come back from with the Crusaders dropping the set 15-13. Cade McGee put together a great performance with 19 kills, 38 total attacks, and 6 digs.

Set One (25-23 NGU)

After UMO took an early 6-4 lead, North Greenville responded with four straight points including a block by Jake Boldog. Mount Olive took the next two points to tie the score at 8-8, but NGU would take care of business from there by taking the lead and not giving it back up. A kill by Cade McGee ended the set to give the Crusaders the first point.

Set Two (26-24 NGU)

In a highly contested second set, the Trojans took an early 4-2 lead. This would be the largest lead either of the two teams would have until the end of the set. From there, NGU would put together a small run by scoring three of the next four points to tie the set at 5-5. The set went back and forth with neither team able to put together any kind of run. However, North Greenville came through late in the set. Down 23-22, the Crusaders put together a 4-1 run to end the set to take it 26-24.

Set Three (32-30 UMO)

The Crusaders began the set on a solid note, scoring four of the first five points. After UMO scored two in a row, NGU would then take the next three points to open up the lead to four points. However, Mount Olive would come to life with a 9-3 run to lead 12-10. The two teams would alternate points for awhile until NGU took the lead back with a 7-3 run to lead 24-23. Quite a few extra points were required, but a service ace finally put the set to rest with Mount Olive getting on the board with a score of 32-30.

Set Four (25-23 UMO)

North Greenville began with control of the set by leading for the majority of it. The Trojans would come back to tie the set at 16-16. From there, the momentum would swing several times. Down 20-19, Mount Olive put together three straight points to lead 22-20. NGU responded with a 3-1 run to tie the set at 23-23. The Trojans would take the momentum back by scoring the final two points to win the set 25-23.

Set Five (15-13 UMO)

Mount Olive began the set with a slight advantage, but the Crusaders would take control with a 4-1 run to lead 6-4. However, UMO would then put together a devastating 8-1 run to take a 12-7 lead. North Greenville was down but not out as the Crusaders would put up one last fight by going on a 5-1 run to cut the deficit to just one point. After kills by both teams, UMO would come up with the final one to win the set 15-13.

Individual

Cade McGee put together a fantastic performance, posting 19 kills, 38 total attacks, and 6 digs.

Aaron Campbell was also solid, recording 18 kills, 39 total attacks, 6 digs, a solo block, and a service ace.

Jake Boldog provided a season-high 58 assists, and also put up 8 digs, 3 solo blocks, 2 block assists, and a service ace.

Upcoming 

The Crusaders will return to Tigerville to face the King Tornado on Tuesday, March 26th.