Mount Olive, N.C. – King University traveled to Mount Olive, N.C., on Friday evening for a Conference Carolinas matchup against No. 20 Mount Olive but was unable to overcome the Trojans' balanced attack, falling 3–1 (18–25, 22–25, 25–23, 23–25). The Tornado showed resiliency with a strong third-set rally, but Mount Olive's depth and late-set execution proved too much to overcome. King drops to 4-17 overall and remains 0-10 in Conference, while Mount Olive improves to 7-2 overall and 7-2 in Conference play.
First Set: Trojans Take Early Control
Mount Olive established momentum early, using efficient attacking and steady ball control to build separation.
- Luke Colombo powered the Trojans with 12 kills on the way to a 13.5-point performance.
- Mount Olive hit .192 as a team in the opening frame. King posted 14 kills with Alessandro Fermani leading with 6 kills, but committed multiple errors, limiting its ability to sustain runs.
- Mount Olive closed the set 25–18.
Second Set: Mount Olive Maintains Pressure
The Tornado battled through long rallies but could not find a rhythm, falling 25–22 in a tightly contested frame.
- Carson Pliapol contributed 12 kills and 20.5 points to keep King within striking distance.
- Mount Olive's blocking and timely swings proved decisive down the stretch, with Marco Ekberg adding 14 points.
Third Set: King Fights Back
King rallied in the third set, executing strong attacks and holding multiple set points.
- Fermani and Claiborne combined for 12 kills to lead the offense, helping King take the set 25–23.
- Mount Olive posted 11 kills from Sant'Anna and 10.5 points from K. Grant but could not stop King's late push.
Fourth Set: King Fights Back
Mount Olive surged offensively, hitting .290 in the final frame.
- Luke Colombo delivered 12 kills, while Marco Ekberg added 11 kills at .290 hitting.
- King posted 23 kills in the set but could not slow Mount Olive's mid-set run, giving the Trojans a 25–23 win and the 3–1 match victory.
Mount Olive Balanced Attack Leads the Way
The Trojans hit .203 as a team and showcased depth across the lineup:
| Player |
Stat Line |
| Luke Colombo |
12 kills, .192 hitting, 6 digs, 13.5 points |
| Marco Ekberg |
11 kills, .290 hitting, 5 digs, 14 points |
| Kory Grant |
8 kills, .222 hitting, 8 digs, 10.5 points |
Mount Olive finished with 41 kills, 46 digs, and seven total blocks, controlling the net throughout the match.
King Statistical Leaders
| Player |
Stat Line |
| Carson Pliapol |
12 kills, 6 digs, 20.5 points |
| Alessandro Fermani |
14 kills, 9 digs, 15 points |
| Dalton Claiborne |
6 kills, .308 hitting, 7.5 points |
| Colton Beuter |
4 kills, 9 digs, 5.5 points |
| Joao Pedro Ribeiro |
2 assists, 4 digs, 2.5 points |
King totaled 28 kills, 34 digs, and three service aces.
Up Next
The Tornado heads to Wilson, N.C., on March 28, to take on Barton College, aiming to rebound and continue its Conference Carolinas campaign on the road.
