FRANKLIN SPRINGS, Ga. - The Emmanuel College men's volleyball team lost their season opener to Barton College on Friday night, 3-0.

The Barton Bulldogs took an early 3-1 lead in the first set. EC exchanged points until the 18-17 mark, but were unable to steal the lead. Barton responded with a four point run to extend their lead to 22-17. Senior's Don Thompson and Alex Zayas would both get in one more kill apiece before the Bulldogs closed out the first set 25-19.

In the second set, EC had a 6 point run including two aces from Freshman Philipp Lauter to boost them ahead 12-8. EC mainlined that 4 point lead and were in position to close the set at 24-20. The reigning conference champions wouldn't go down without a fight, however, as the Bulldogs put down three straight kills combined with an EC attack error to tie the match up. A kill from Aleksa Lakic would set EC up with set point once again, but Barton would answer with three straight points to take the second set 27-25.

The Lions struggled to regain momentum in the third set and had their lowest hitting percentage of the night at .103. The Bulldogs would cruise to a 25-17 victory. 

Men's volleyball returns to action at home tomorrow at 11am against conference opponent Mount Olive.

For more news on Emmanuel College Athletics, visit goeclions.com.