Box Score LAWRENCE, Kan. - - Belmont (2-5) fell in straight sets to Appalachian State on Saturday in the Kansas Invitational. Injuries caused trouble for the Bruins, who made a valiant effort despite holes in the lineup and kept pressure on the Mountaineers throughout the match.
"Appalachian State provided an opportunity for some of our players to perform in roles that are new to them, and the team's effort was good," Head Coach Deane Webb said. "It was helpful for our coaching staff to see players perform in different capacities as we consider the different possibilities for our program in the future."
It was all hands on deck for the Bruins, who used every available player on their roster during the match. With sophomore setter Hannah Miranda (Covington, La.) out with injury, Belmont was forced into new lineups. Freshmen Kelsi Dean (Marietta, Ga.) and Alex Martin (Ooletwah, Tenn.) made their college debuts, while sophomore Danielle Prochaska (Middleton, Wisc.) also saw playing time. Maggie Johnson, Belmont's leader in kills and an all-tournament team selection, filled in at setter. The lineup changes contributed to many of the Bruins woes throughout the match, as the team struggled to adjust.
"I appreciated Maggie's willingness to set for us today," Webb said. "Not too many players in the country can say they went for 20 plus kills in two weekend matches, and then set a match as well. She performed admirably, and we know that is a viable option for our team should we need it in the future."
Belmont struggled from the outset, dropping set one 17-24. The Bruins recovered some in set two, taking a brief lead at 10-7. The Mountaineers came back and ultimately took the set, 17-25. The Mountaineers came back and ultimately took the set, 17-25. In set three, Belmont rallied from a 14-20 deficit, thanks primarily to three straight aces from sophomore Jen Myer (New Braunfels, Texas). The Bruins used that momentum to force a 23-23 tie before ASU was able to close out the match. Belmont also got a strong performance from freshman Scarlet Gable (Munford, Tenn.).
"Scarlet is growing up as an attacker," Webb said. "There are always going to be ups and downs for a freshman in any role on the court, but hitting almost .230 against a good team while receiving the ball for the entire match from someone that is not accustomed to setting, that is really quite impressive. Jen played loose and aggressive, and that is when she is at her best. She scored from both pins, and her serve is already in midseason form. It will be exciting to see what kind of season is in store for her."
The Bruins will return to action on Tuesday, Sept. 6th, when they face in-state opponent Tennessee Tech. First serve is set for 6:30 p.m. in the Curb Event Center.
