WILSON, NC - After playing Mount Olive on Friday, men's volleyball made the short trip over to Barton College to take on the number one ranked team in Conference Carolinas. The Lions fell to the Bulldogs in 4 sets, 3-1. 

The first set was tied early on at 6-6. However, Two consecutive points from Barton gave them the lead. Emmanuel was still within two points after the halfway point as Barton led 17-15. The Bulldogs proceeded to score four straight times, giving them a lead the Lions couldn't surmount. Barton went on to take the set, 25-19. 

Emmanuel took the lead early in the second set, but Barton quickly caught up to tie the score at 6. The Lions continued to hold a slight advantage until the Bulldogs pulled even once again, this time at 14. Barton continued to take the momentum, scoring 4 straight points to pull ahead 18-14. The Lions rallied to flip the momentum as senior Don Thompson recorded two kills. Emmanuel's rally culminated in a 23-21 lead, but it wasn't enough as Barton scored four points to take the set, 25-23. 

The third set was a closely fought match as neither team was able to pull away. The score stayed close until Emmanuel eventually gained a two point advantage late in the set, 24-22. However, an error by the Lions and a kill by the Bulldogs tied the score at 24. A kill from sophomore Jayden Young gave the Lions a one point lead, but it was followed by an error that tied the score. The Bulldogs scored once again, but Thompson responded with a kill to tie the set at 26. Each team scored once again before freshman Carlos Guerrero recorded an ace for Emmanuel, giving the Lions a one point advantage. Barton answered with another point, but followed with an error that gave the Lions a one point lead once again, 29-28. The back and forth exchange was finally ended with a kill from Thompson, giving the Lions the set, 30-28. 

The fourth set was close early on, but a 9-3 run by Barton gave them an 8 point lead, 18-10. The Lions were unable to mount a comeback, losing the set 25-15. 

The Lions were led by Don Thompson, who recorded 12 kills, 2 blocks, and 3 aces. Senior Aleksa Lakic followed with 8 kills and 4 blocks, while Jayden Young had 8 kills. 

Next up, men's volleyball will take on Queens University on February 9. 

For more on Emmanuel College athletics, visit goeclions.com.