Tigerville, S.C.—Elizabeth James dished out 29 helpers, and Yomi Adeyeye led all scorers with 14 kills, but Limestone proved too much for the Crusaders as the Saints take a 3-2 (18-25, 22-25, 25-18, 25-17, 12-15) heartbraking decision from the Crusaders in Hayes Gymnasium.

The Crusaders returned home for the first time in eight games on Wednesday to take on the Saints in NGU’s third straight Conference Carolinas matchup. The Crusaders fell behind early as the Saints jumped out to a quick 2-0 set lead. Set two would be a competitive one as the teams traded the lead several times before the Saints gained control late. Limestone scored five of the last six points to take the win and the two set advantage.

North Greenville stayed focused however and bounced back big in set three, taking a quick 7-0 lead forcing LC to take a timeout. The Saints would come out of the timeout and score the next three points to pull within four, but NGU tightened up and worked the advantage to six points (13-7). Limestone battled but could not break through,  as North Greenville led by at least six for the remainder of the set. NGU would go on to ensure a fourth set with a 25-18 third set win.

NGU would carry its strong play into the fourth set, but would have to work from behind after falling behind 11-4 early. Trailing 10-4, North Greenville would score the next five points to pull within two of the saints. Codiann Amis would eventually even the tally at 12 with a service ace. The Crusaders and Saints would deadlock at 15 before one of the two squads would go on a 10-2 run to win the fourth set. It would be the Crusaders, whose 25-17 win in the fourth set would force a decisive winner take all fifth frame.

The Saints would regain their composure in the fifth set, to take a 5-0 lead in the final frame. NGU would work its way back to within one (12-11) but the saints would ride the arms of Emylee Gotsch and Jessica Johnson who combined for six kills in the final set, to take the final set 15-12. Gotsch led the Saints with 12 kills during the match while Elayna Meachum led all players with 44 helpers.

North Greenville had one other player in dougle digits in Rachel Burts who pounded out 10 kills and two solo blocks, while Elizabeth James also led the Crusaders in digs with 13. Gabby Sehres also had a solo block to go along with two block assists.

North Greenville fell to 1-11 overall and 0-3 in league play after Friday night’s defeat. NGU will take Thursday off, but will be back in action on Friday night as the Crusaders welcome Lees McRae to Hayes Gymnasium for a 7pm first serve.