Bret Rutledge gets a career-high 17 kills but the University of Mount Olive fell to King University 18-25, 25-21, 25-21, 25-22 in Conference Carolinas men's volleyball Saturday night in Bristol, Tenn. Tyler Yanez also set a season high 52 assists in the game.
In set one Mount Olive's (4-4 Overall, 4-2 Conference Carolinas) Rutledge picked up his first kill of a set from Yanez to even the score at one. King (5-2, 4-1) controlled much of the first set as the Trojans tied the set five times before taking the lead 14-13 on a kill by Victor Fraga Leal.
Mount Olive allowed the Tornado to tie the game twice more before a side out and a seven point rally put the Trojans up 22-15. Both teams exchanged the sets next five points before Kian Hollevoet sealed the opening set win with a kill.
In the second set Mount Olive jumped out to a quick 5-2 lead. The Tornado, however responded with a side out and four straight points to take their first lead of the set 6-5. The Trojans regained the lead midway through the second set 15-12 following a 7-3 run. King responded with a 7-2 run to retake the lead 19-17. Mount Olive then got the three out of the next four points to tie the set at 20. The Tornado finished the set on a 5-1 run and evened the match at one set a piece.
Set three saw King use a couple of multi-point rallies to help the Tornado take control of the set. The Trojans got to as close as three late in the set but could not stop the King offense to rally and take the lead.
The final set Mount Olive was only able to take to lead twice as King had a firm grip on the fourth set. The Trojans were down by two for most of the set and were able to tie the set at 16. Mount Olive scored two straight points down 24-22 but a Kill by Eddie Moushikhian got the set and match win for King.
Rutledge added five digs and four blocks to his career-high kill night. Mike Mann added 13 kills and six blocks for the Trojans.
Moushikhian led the Tornado with 19 kills and added five digs.
Mount Olive returns home Friday as the Flying Fleet of Erskine come to Kornegay Arena. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.