NASHVILLE, Tenn.- Belmont volleyball (9-11, 6-2 OVC) returns home this weekend for two matches in the curb event center. The Bruins will face the Skyhawks of University of Tennessee-Martin Friday Oct. 23 at 7:00 p.m. CT and the Redhawks of Southeast Missouri State University Saturday Oct. 24 at 2:00 p.m. CT.
"These are two talented teams that bring a unique style of play to Belmont." said Head Coach Tony Howell. "By playing in the OVC we are constantly challenged each match because each team brings a uniqueness to their style of play. That is what makes it so fun, exciting, and stressful all at the same time."
Sophomore Arianna Person (Lenexa, Kan.) added "we are really excited to play these two teams this weekend! It is always a privilege to get to play more games and it is definitely another opportunity to keep growing as a team and get better."
The Skyhawks are 3-5 in the OVC and have an 10-8 advantage in the all-time series against Belmont. Junior middle blocker Kiah Cheatham led the Skyhawks last weekend with 27 kills for an average of .390 along with eight blocks. Ellie Cain recorded 83 assists while Chelsea Bowles guided the defense with 30 digs.
The Redhawks are also 3-5 in OVC play. Their offense is paced by middled blocker Nzingha Clarke who has recorded 223 kills for an average of .346 followed by outside hitter Krissa Gearing with 206 kills. Setter Katarina Rotta has 455 assists on the season and libero Jade Mortimer leads the defense with 355 kills.
"Both programs have had a challenging preseason schedule with UT-Martin defeating a SEC program, said Howell. "I expect both matches to be very competitive and I expect us to learn and improve from this weekend."
Saturday will be Belmont's Alumni day in honor of all of the former players who have come through the program
