NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Belmont University Volleyball Program (7-14, 2-7 MVC) went the distance with Valparaiso (12-9, 4-5 MVC) Saturday night before falling in five sets.
How it Happened
Belmont took an early 9-6 lead off a kill from
Bella Mathis. Valparaiso made a run midway through the set to take the lead at 16-18. With an ace from
Elizabeth Godfrey, the Bruins later edged out the Beacons 26-24 in the first.
It was all Valpo to start the second. Belmont fought back and with a kill from
Alivia Keegan, the Bruins tied it up at 14 all. Back-to-back kills by
Brooke Gilleland gave the Bruins an edge at 22-21. Both teams continued to battle before the Beacons went on to take the second set 24-26.
The Bruins got off to a hot start in the third. A kill from
Brenna Kauffeld put Belmont up 6-1. An ace from Mathis later extended the lead at 18-12. Valpo made a late run to close the gap at 22-20. Despite the Beacons' run, the Bruins stayed on top to claim the third 25-21.
Valpo built off the momentum to start the fourth. Another kill from Kauffeld gave Belmont their first lead of the set at 12-11. The Bruins put together a 6-0 run to take a commanding 23-17 lead. The Beacons stormed back and took the fourth 24-26 to force a deciding fifth set.
The Beacons came out strong in the fifth. Kauffeld put the ball away to bring the Bruins within five at 3-8. Valpo went on to take the fifth set and match 4-15.
Up Next
Belmont will hit the road to play Southern Illinois and Missouri State next weekend. Watch live on ESPN+ or follow live stats on belmontbruins.com.
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
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