Tigerville, SC - North Greenville opened up conference play with a 3-0 win over the Emmanuel Lions at Hayes Gymnasium. After NGU took the opening two set without much issue, Emmanuel put up a strong fight in the third set. However, the Crusaders would close it out for the sweep. Jackson Gilbert had a strong match with 16 kills.

Jackson Gilbert started the opening set off with a quick kill. The Crusaders held a fairly comfortable lead early on. King would pull within one, but NGU would then take over the remainder of the set. Leading 17-10, North Greenville would close out the set with a 8-3 run including two service aces by Ben Hamsho to win the opening set 25-13.

Set two began on an even note, featuring five ties early on to make the score 6-6. The Lions would score two in a row to lead 8-6, but the Crusaders instantly responded with two of their own to reach another tie. Tied 11-11, NGU would connect for three straight points and would hang onto the lead throughout the remainder of the set, ultimately taking it 25-20.

After an even start to the third set, Emmanuel would go on their best run of the game to open up a 10-5 lead. North Greenville would hold a deficit of at least five for the majority of the set, but a 3-0 run by NGU would cut the deficit to two. The Lions continued to hang on to their lead, but a late run by North Greenville would tie the set up at 23-23. Extra points would be required, but the Crusaders would score the final two to take it 26-24.

NGU will return to the road to face the Royal of Queens University on Tuesday, January 28th in Charlotte, North Carolina.