NGU vs. Clark Atlanta Box Score 

Tigerville, S.C.—The Crusaders wrapped up a busy weekend of volleyball on Saturday, falling to Conference Carolinas leader King University 3-0, followed by a close 3-2 loss to Clark Atlanta University.

The Crusaders seemed over matched by a solid King team that is riding an 11 game win streak with a now 13-3 record on the season. King’s offense was solid committing just two errors on 29 attempts in game one. The Crusaders were equal to the task, coming just one error on 31 attempts with 10 kills, however the Tornado would go on to take the 25-17 set one win.

The Crusaders would commit just five more errors during game one on 55 attempts, but 13 services aces from the Tornado proved to be a difference maker as the Tornado took the final two sets with scores of 25-19 and 25-23. Yomi Adeyeye led the Crusaders with 13 kills on 29 attempts. Taylor Dupes added nine kills and two service aces.

NGU looked to reverse its fortune in game two, and looked to be off to a good start, cruising to a 25-13 set one win. NGU’s offense stayed consistent, committing just two errors in the frame. Yomi Adeyeye was off to a solid start with five kills during frame one to lead all scorers.

NGU’s offense would cool off slightly in set two, as the Panthers would go on to take a 27-25 win. NGU fought from behind for much of the match but an athletic Panthers team was able to put the game away late. The Panthers would then take a 25-20 win in set three, forcing NGU to win set four.

The Crusaders answered the call, taking the fourth frame 28-26. The Crusaders pounded out 44 attempts during the set, coming just two errors while placing 26 kills. Haley Hester would pace the Crusaders in set four with five kills while Rachel Burts put the finishing touches on the set with her fourth kill. The Crusaders finished with a total hitting percentage of .241 while the Panthers finished hitting at a .238 clip.

The Panthers would take an early 5-0 lead in the final set, but NGU would battle back to pull to within two of the Panthers. The Crusaders were poised to pull even with the Panthers but an NGU attack error with the score sitting at 14-12 would give CAU the 15-12 set win. The Crusaders fell to  2-13 on the season after Saturday’s action, and 1-4 in league play.

The Crusaders will have a week to regroup before heading to Spartanburg, South Carolina to take on Converse University in a Conference Carolinas matchup. The start time for the Crusaders and Valkyries is scheduled for 7pm.