BLUEFIELD - North Greenville University snapped men's volleyball's two-game winning streak Saturday afternoon at the Dome, downing the Rams in three sets 25-21, 25-22, 25-17.
The Rams fell to the Crusaders in the first meeting between the two teams on Jan. 29 in Tigerville, S.C. Saturday afternoon it was BC on the offensive, taking an early lead in the first game before the NCAA visitors tied things at five. NGU moved ahead by five and later six, but after a time out the Rams closed to within three at 19-16 and again at 22-19. NGU went on to win 25-21.
BC opened an early four-point lead in game two and increased it to five, 10-5 on a smashing service ace by Alberto Chiaparini but NGU rallied to tie at 10. The squads continued to battle for each point until the Rams took a 19-17 lead at which time the Crusaders called time. After a 19-19 tie, a Chris Dixon kill put the Rams back on top 20-19. Greenville pressed onward and took the lead and went on to win game two 25-22.
North Greenville scored first and led throughout game three, but the Rams battled. NGU had a lead as high as five on several occasions and BC closed the gap. The Crusaders pulled away late and took a 25-17 win in game three to take the match.
Chaz Franqui had 20 assists and nears the 1,000 mark in career assists. Chiaparini finished with 14 kills and Carleek Owens had nine digs.