Volleyball Returns to Win Column with Four-Set Victory Over Salukis

CARBONDALE, Ill. – The Belmont University Volleyball Program (8-14, 3-7 MVC) snapped five-game losing streak with a road win over Southern Illinois (10-11, 3-7 MVC) on Friday. 
 
How it Happened
SIU put together a big 7-0 run early in the first to take control. A kill from Lexi Smollen later sparked a run for the Bruins to even the score at 18-18. Emily Warmenhoven would put the ball away to give Belmont an edge at 21-20. Despite the comeback, the Salukis went on to claim set one 23-25.
 
The Bruins continued to battle in the second and took an early 8-2 lead off a kill from Lucy Kay. Another kill from Kay would later extend the lead at 18-12. The Salukis made a late push to bring the set within four down the stretch. The Bruins continued to play up and take the second 25-22.
 
The third set was a game of runs. A kill from Warmenhoven put Belmont ahead 13-11 midway through the set. The Bruins put together a late 4-0 run capped off by a kill from Brenna Kauffeld to extend the lead at 21-16. Belmont would go on to win set three 25-22 and take a 2-1 set lead in the match. 
 
Belmont got behind early in the fourth. Building off a couple runs; SIU took a big 13-20 lead. The Bruns never backed down. Brooke Gilleland wrapped up a 4-0 run with an ace to bring Belmont within three at 17-20. The Bruins would go on another big run featuring two kills from Warmenhoven to even the score at 22 all. Down 23-24, Belmont dug deep to force extra points and eventually claim set four and the match 27-25. 
 
Up Next
The Bruins will face Missouri State (8-14, 2-8 MVC) on Saturday at 5 p.m. CT. 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 official app of the Belmont Bruins, available both in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.