EAST LANSING, Mich. -- The Belmont University Volleyball program (2-4) started the weekend with two matches against Michigan State University (2-2) and Delaware State (3-3). The Bruins finished opening day of the Kathy DeBoer Invitational with a 1-1 split.
Belmont vs Michigan State (0-3)
Belmont started off the Kathy DeBoer Invitational against host MSU where the Spartans swept the Bruins (17-25, 19-25, 7-25). MSU went on an early 4-0 run in set one, but Belmont worked their way back in the game. With an ace by
Rachel McBride, the Bruins found themselves only down 11-15 midway through the first. Despite the near comeback, MSU would hold on to the lead the remainder of the set and end on a 4-0 run.
The second set was all MSU to start. The Spartans opened the set on a 6-0 run until
Brooke Gilleland entered the game and tallied three quick kills. Belmont continued to fight their way through the set by applying pressure behind the service line.
Elizabeth Godfrey added three aces for the Bruins. MSU would eventually take back control and finish the set.
MSU dominated set three with their strong front court and offensive serving. Taylah Holdem and Karolina Staniszewska led the Spartans with 13 and 10 kills respectively. Jayhlin Swain added four aces. Belmont struggled to match their offensive power throughout the set and eventually dropped the third.
Belmont vs Delaware State (3-0)
Belmont finished the day with their first sweep of the 2023 season. The Bruins rolled past the Delaware State Hornets (25-23, 25-23, 25-17). Belmont went on a 6-0 run early in set one and found themselves up 12-9.
Kristen Clemons added back-to-back kills for the Bruins to help push the team to a late 19-17 lead. The match would be a back-and-forth fight the rest of the way, but Belmont finished on top.
Set two was another back-and-forth battle. Although Delaware produced two 4-0 runs, Belmont was able to stay on top throughout the entire set.
Brooke Gilleland and
Kristen Clemons had the hot hands for the Bruins this set with 5 and four kills respectively. Pairs
Kristen Clemons and
Kamryn Olson and
Laura Shoopman and
Sydney Willis combined for two of the Bruin blocks in the set.
Rachel McBride also added an ace for the team.
The Bruins got off to a slow start in set three. Belmont was down 13-10 before
Laura Shoopman and
Ally Peterson combined for back-to-back kills. The team would continue to work their way back and go on a 6-0 run to take back the lead 19-16. During the run
Brooke Gilleland tallied two kills and
Izzy Schauer added one ace. It was all Belmont the rest of the way.
Laura Shoopman and
Brooke Gilleland finished off the set for the Bruins with a combined three kills.
What's Next
Belmont will take on Syracuse Sunday at 10 a.m. CT to finish out the tournament. The match will be streamed on BTN+ and live stats will be available on belmontbruins.com.
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