NORMAL, Ill. – The Belmont University Volleyball Program (5-9, 0-2 MVC) fell to Illinois State (6-9, 1-1 MVC) in another five-set marathon (25-19, 23-25, 20-25, 25-21, 8-15).
How it Happened
Both teams went back-and-forth to start the first set. The Bruins put down three-straight kills to take the lead at 17-13.
Bella Mathis later served up an ace to to extend Belmont's lead at 22-17. The Bruins went on to take the first set 25-19.
Belmont built off the momentum from the first set to take a six-point lead midway through the second. A kill from
Alivia Keegan continued to keep the Bruins ahead at 19-15. Illinois State made a late push to claim the second 23-25.
Set three was close to start.
Brenna Kauffeld and Keegan rattled off a pair of kills to even the score at 15 all. The Redbird offense started to gain momentum to help Illinois State take control and finish the third on top 20-25.
The Redbirds continued to lead to start the fourth. The Bruins worked their way back to tie the game at 12-12.
Lucy Kay added a kill to reclaim the lead at 14-12. The Bruins later went on a 4-0 run to take control at 23-19. With a Redbird error, Belmont took the fourth 25-21 to force a deciding fifth set.
Illinois State jumped out ahead early in the fifth. A kill from
Brooke Gilleland brought the Bruins within three at 6-9. The Redbirds went on to win the fifth set and match 8-15.
Up Next
Belmont will return home to take on Evansville (2-12, 1-1 MVC) and Indiana State (3-11, 0-2 MVC) next weekend. Watch live on ESPN+ or follow live stats on belmontbruins.com.
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