Box Score
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- For just the second time this season, Belmont University volleyball was swept at home on Friday night, falling 3-0 to Murray State in the Curb Event Center.
The Bruins lost 20-25, 20-25, 21-25, for only their third defeat in front of a home crowd this fall.
Belmont (8-15, 6-7 OVC) was led offensively by Laura Shoopman, who tallied eight kills on 14 total attacks, finishing with a hitting percentage of .500.
"I thought Laura did a really phenomenal job on the right side," head coach Katelyn Harrison said. "Unfortunately I don't think we got her enough balls."
Belmont out-blocked Murray State 6.0 to 4.0, in large part thanks to solid performances from middle blockers Kailee Bass and Sydney Willis, but the Bruins were out-matched in most other statistical markers. Bass also tallied a season-high two service aces on the night.
"I think for us we have to win in aces, we have to win in blocking, and we have to pass well, and I thought tonight we only won in blocking," Harrison said. "We had moments of great serving, but unfortunately we couldn't stay consistent with it. With passing, we were not consistent either, but again I think there were some moments in there that showed some really good volleyball."
The Bruins got out to a quick start to begin the match, leading 10-7 and 13-10 before Murray State (13-9, 7-5 OVC) started to find their footing. Shoopman would record four of her eight kills in the opening frame, including on each of her first three swings of the evening.
Riding three-time OVC Offensive Player of the Week Brooke Lynn Watts, the Racers climbed back into the set and won, 25-20.
In Game 2, Belmont hung around for the entirety of the first half, staying within striking distance at 12-14. Slowly but surely, the Racers managed to put some distance between themselves and the home side. Belmont held Murray State to a .171 hitting percentage, their lowest total of the night, but the Racers pulled away for another 25-20 win to go up 2-0.
In the third and final frame, Belmont took advantage of five Murray State service errors to keep things close.
After facing a 12-17 deficit, the Bruins mounted a rally that was highlighted by a pair of thundering Floyd kills to cut the Racer lead to 19-21.
With the announced crowd of 230 roaring at their back, Belmont made one last ditch effort to force a fourth set, but fell to Murray State, 21-25, to close out the match.
Belmont will host Murray State on Saturday, with first serve scheduled for 2 p.m. The match will be broadcast live on ESPN+, with Noah Syverson and Ellie Ivancich on the call. Live stats will be available on BelmontBruins.com and on the official app of the Belmont Bruins.
Follow Belmont volleyball on social media - @BelmontVB on Twitter and @belmontvball on Instagram - for complete coverage of the Bruins. Stay up to date with all of Belmont's athletic programs via the official app of the Belmont Bruins, available both in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.
