Volleyball Splits Day One of Tournament

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Belmont University Volleyball program (1-1) opened the season by facing Saint Francis (Pa.) (1-1) and Youngstown State (1-1) in the DoubleTree by Hilton YSU Invitational. Belmont ends day one of the tournament 1-1. In the opening day split, Belmont collected their first win of the 2023 season against YSU. 
 
How it Happened
 
Belmont dropped two close sets against SFU, but fought their way back in set three and four to push the game to five. The comeback was sparked by a series of kills from Emily Warmenhoven and Missy Sterkel late in the third. The fight continued in the fourth set where the Bruins jumped to an early 16-3 lead. Despite the Bruins' late comeback, SFU took set five and the match.
 
The Bruins were off to slow start in game two against YSU. Belmont dropped set one but quickly turned things around in the second set. After set one the heat from the Bruin attackers proved to be too much for the Penguins. Belmont recorded a .230 team hitting percentage while Kristen Clemons, Emily Warmenhoven and Connie Kofoed all recorded double digit kills in the match. It was all Belmont in the last three sets and resulted in the Bruins' first win.
 
Belmont vs. SFU
 

• Bruins fell in five sets (2-3).
• Belmont posted a .223 team hitting percentage.
• Saint Francis' Skye Eicher led both teams with 19 kills.
• Both setters Kamryn Olson (Belmont) and Sappia Alexandra (SFU) contributed 26 assists a piece. 
• Emily Warmenhoven led Belmont with 11 kills.
• McBride controlled the Bruin back court with 13 digs.

 
Belmont vs. YSU
 

• Belmont faced YSU for just the second time in program history.
• Bruins took the match in four sets (3-1).
• Three Bruins recorded double digit kills: Kristen Clemons (15), Emily Warmenhoven (12), Connie Kofoed (11).
• Kamryn Olson and Izzy Schauer posted 29 and 22 assists respectively.
• Both liberos Rachel McBride (Belmont) and Isidora Sisic (YSU) added 16 digs.

 
What's Next
 
The Bruins face Canisius at 10 a.m. on Saturday for their final matchup of the YSU Invitational. Stay up to date with the YSU Invitational at the Tournament Central.
 
Both single match and season tickets are on sale. Season tickets are $50 per seat and include all volleyball home games. Click here to purchase your single match or season tickets. 
 
Follow Belmont volleyball on social media - @BelmontVB  on Twitter, @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.