NEWBERRY - The Newberry Wolves volleyball team looked to build on early momentum Tuesday evening in Eleazer Arena, but they were unable to capitalize and went on to lose to Belmont Abbey 3-1 in a non-conference contest.

Newberry came out hot and went on a 4-0 run early in the first set to take a 7-3 lead on a kill by Katie Ullsperger, forcing the Crusaders to call a timeout. Belmont Abbey came out of the timeout and went on a 4-0 run of their own to tie the set at seven. The match continued to see-saw back and forth before the Wolves went up 16-13, winning the all-important race to 15. The Crusaders would respond by winning seven of the next nine points to take a 20-18 lead. Although Newberry would tie the set at 24, an attack error and a service ace by Belmont Abbey gave the visitors the first set by a score of 26-24.

The Wolves would get out to a 7-3 lead once again in the second set, however, they would not let the Crusaders back into the set so easily this time around. Belmont Abbey would get within two points about halfway through the set, but Newberry would extend the lead out at the end of the set. Leading 19-14, the Wolves won four straight points to take a nine point lead and then won two of the next three to tie the match at one set apiece.

Once again, the third set was tightly contested early on, as the set was tied at seven. Belmont Abbey went on a quick four point run to take the lead at 11-7 and never looked back. Newberry closed within three points on multiple occasions, but was unable to get over the hump. On the last occasion, the Wolves forced the Crusaders to call a timeout at 22-19, but Belmont Abbey came out of the timeout and won the next three points to close out the third set and take a 2-1 lead.

The fourth set saw both teams battle hard early on once again as the set was tied at three, but Belmont Abbey would jump out to a big lead soon afterwards. With the Crusaders leading 7-6, they rattled off eight straight points to take a nine point lead. Newberry would never get closer than six points the rest of the way, and Belmont Abbey went on to win the set 25-19 and the match 3-1.

Katie Ullsperger continued her excellent freshman season with a team leading 13 kills and three service aces. Sidra Triplett also got into double digits in kills with 10 and also recorded a block on the evening. Sydney Diaz had another standout match, leading the team in digs with 19, one of three players in double digits along with Morgan Walter (14) and Avery Webb (10). Webb recorded a double-double as she also had 14 assists, two behind team leader Taylor Garrison (16). Toni-Anne Whitlow and Kylee Kanealey also had excellent matches as they led the team with two blocks each, with Whitlow adding nine kills for good measure.

The team will be back to conference play on Friday as they take on Mars Hill in the annual Dig Pink game.