Box Score
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Thanks to big nights from a host of contributors, Belmont University volleyball secured a thrilling 3-1 win over crosstown foe Tennessee State at home on Tuesday night.
Belmont won 26-24, 24-26, 30-28, and 25-20 to take the OVC opener in a back-and-forth affair inside the Curb Event Center.
Offensively, Taylor Floyd erupted for 17 kills and 10 digs and Lauren Walsh recorded a career-high 16 kills. The victory snapped an eight-game Bruin losing streak, pushed Belmont (3-8, 1-0 OVC) to a 3-1 record at home, and handed Tennessee State (8-2, 0-1 OVC) just their second loss of the season.
"I mean, that's a really good team that we just took care of business with," head coach Katelyn Harrison said. "One thing we really talked about after Auburn is having a 'next-play' mentality, and moving on from a mistake a lot faster, and I think tonight they did a really good job of that. I think it showed a much more in-control and confident team because of that."
In the first set, Belmont jumped out to a commanding 15-8 lead going into the media timeout. Tennessee State, however, came out of the break with a lightning-quick run to tie things at 19-19. Down the stretch, the Bruins relied on Walsh and Kailee Bass to carry them to a tight 26-24 win. Bass collected four of her six kills in the opening frame to set the tone for the Belmont attack.
In the second frame, things were similarly close, with the two teams trading blows to the tune of 12 ties and four lead changes. When the dust cleared, Tennessee State emerged with a 26-24 win to even up the match at 1-1.
The ferocity of the second set was instantly eclipsed by a dramatic third frame that featured seven total lead changes.
After a Floyd kill, Belmont led 24-19 with an easy Game Two win seemingly in reach, before the Tigers ripped off a 6-0 run to take a 25-24 lead. Their backs against the wall, the Bruins responded, trading points with the Tigers until it was 28-28. A Walsh kill and a Tennessee State error proved to be the difference, with Belmont escaping with a huge 30-28 set win.
"Lauren [Walsh] has always had the ability to play like that," Harrison said. "She did a really great job, and made some really smart decisions at crucial moments."
Walsh's 16 kills were the most in her career, eclisping her previous high of 15 set against Tennessee Tech in 2019.
In the fourth and decisive set, Belmont held a feisty Tennessee State team at arm's length by hitting .351, clinching the home win with a 25-20 set victory.
Floyd's 17 kills were the most this season by the senior standout, accomplished despite coming off the bench for the first time this year.
Floyd and Walsh put up their eye-catching kill totals while hitting a remarkably efficient .304 and .316, respectively.
Izzy Schauer facilitated the offense and shined on defense, dishing out 43 assists and diving for 15 digs. Kailee Bass picked up seven kills and matched her career-high with five total blocks.
Belmont will host the University of Tennessee at Martin on Friday night for the first of two matches this weekend against the Skyhawks. First serve on Friday night from the Curb Event Center is set for 6:00 p.m. The match will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
