FRANKLIN SPRINGS, GA - The men's volleyball team played their final game of the 2022 regular season on Saturday as they faced North Greenville University. The Crusaders clenched the No. 1 seed as they defeated the Lions, 3-1. Emmanuel had already secured a 4 seed and will host a quarterfinal match on Tuesday, April 19. 

First Set:

NGU hopped out to a 4-1 lead early in the game. The Lions eventually trailed 14-19, but six straight points for the Lions gave them a one point lead, 20-19. However, it was short lived as four consecutive scores for the Crusaders led to them taking the set, 25-23. 

Set Two:

The Crusaders opened the second with five in a row, once again gaining an early advantage. They eventually tied the game at 14, but another push from NGU and the Crusaders managed to once again claim the set by two, 25-23. 

Set Three:

The third began on a different note as the Lions took an early lead this time around, 8-5. An ace from freshman Gustavo Cavalcanti shortly thereafter gave Emmanuel a 12-9 lead. However, four in a row for the Crusaders put them back on top. The score continued to seesaw until the Lions led 22-21. Kills from sophomore Eli Zdonek and junior Harrison Coehlo led to the Lions capturing the set, 25-22. 

Set Four:

Despite the third set rally from Emmanuel to extend the match, NGU bounced back in the fourth, quickly building an 8-1 lead. The Lions eventually got moving, but it was too late too late as the Crusaders went on to win the game, 25-18, and the match, 3-1. 

Gustavo Cavalcanti had 16 kills, 7 digs, 3 blocks, and 2 aces. Carlos Guerrero finished with 14 kills and 9 digs, while Eli Zdonek was also one off a double-double with 11 kills and 9 digs. Freshman Daniel Beachum had 6 blocks. 

Next up, men's volleyball will host either Erskine or Barton, who play the first round in Due West, South Carolina on April 13. The winner will face Emmanuel in the quarterfinals match on Tuesday, April 19. 

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