Volleyball Drops Final Game of UND Classic

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – The Belmont University Volleyball Program (5-4, 0-0 MVC) faced Western Illinois (3-5, 0-0 OVC) to wrap up tournament play on Saturday. The Bruins were swept by the Leathernecks to finish the UND Classic 1-2. 
 
How it Happened
Belmont jumped out to an early 7-3 lead in the first off a solo block from Bella Mathis. WIU eventually went on a run to take a 9-16 lead. Lilly Lutz later served an ace to spark a 4-0 run for the Bruins to close the gap at 17-22. The Leathernecks continued to stay ahead and take the first 19-25.
 
Set two started just like the first. With an ace from Kamryn Olson the Bruins went up 7-3. A kill from Alivia Keegan kept Belmont on top 12-11 midway through the second. WIU then put together a 7-0 run to take a 12-18 lead. Two more kills from Alivia Keegan brought the Bruins back within two at 18-20. Despite the late comeback, the Leathernecks remained in control to claim set two 20-25.
 
Set three was a battle. A kill from Lucy Kay and an ace by Brooke Gilleland put Belmont within two at 13-15. WIU eventually pulled away to take set three and the match 19-25.
 
What's Bruin

• Lilly Lutz was named to the UND Classic All-Tournament team after posting 67 digs averaging 6.70 digs per set over the weekend. The libero recorded a career-high 30 digs in Saturday's match versus WIU.
• Bella Mathis was tabbed All-Tournament after recording 23 kills averaging 2.30 kills per set and seven total blocks.

Up Next
The Bruins will travel to Sioux Falls, S.D. to compete in the Jackrabbit Invitational. Belmont will open the tournament with a Thursday matchup against Toledo at 4 p.m. CT. The Bruins will take on Idaho State on Friday at 4 p.m. CT before concluding the Invitational against host South Dakota State on Saturday at 1 p.m. CT. Follow live stats on belmontbruins.com. 
 
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