Tigerville, SC - NGU opened up Hayes Gymnasium with a 3-1 victory over the Pioneers of Tusculum College. The Crusaders took the first two sets but struggled in set three, allowing Pioneers to take their 4th set win of the season. However, North Greenville went on to dominate the final set for the victory. Jackson Gilbert led the way with 13 kills.

North Greenville took the momentum early with a 5-2 lead to begin set one. Trailing 12-9, both teams put together 4-0 runs, allowing the Crusaders to end up with a 16-13 lead. TC kept things close, but NGU was able to hang on to win the opening set 25-20.

A back and forth set two resulted in six ties. Tied 13-13, North Greenville put together the first run of the set, scoring seven of the next eight points to take a 20-14 lead. A kill by Jackson Gilbert put an end to the set with NGU taking another 25-20 set win.

Attack errors proved costly for the Crusaders in the third set. Leading 4-3, three straight errors followed by a 3-1 run allowed the Pioneers to pull ahead with a 10-4 lead. NGU would respond with four straight points to draw back within two points. However, Tusculum was able to narrowly hold on to the lead throughout the remainder of the set, winning it 25-21.

After an even start to the fourth set, North Greenville pulled away for good with a dominating 12-2 run to take a 17-6 lead. TC cut into the lead slightly, but NGU would ultimately take the set without much of an issue with a score of 25-14.

The Crusaders will return to action on Tuesday, January 21st against the Emmanuel College Lions in Tigerville.