CHICAGO, Ill. – The Belmont University volleyball team (13-5, 4-3) battled through five sets but came up short Saturday evening, falling 3–2 to UIC inside Credit Union 1 Arena. Despite rallying to take the opening set and forcing a decisive fifth, the Bruins couldn't complete the comeback on the road.
After a slow start in the opening frame, Belmont found its rhythm behind serving runs from Connie Kofoed and Bella Mathis, as well as key defensive plays from Lilly Lutz. Trailing 20–23, the Bruins stormed back behind kills and an ace from Emily Warmenhoven to take the set, 28–26.
UIC responded with strong service pressure in the second set, pulling away for a 25–12 win before taking the third, 25–17, despite solid blocking efforts from Alexia Smollen, Erin McMullen, and Brooke Gilleland.
The Bruins bounced back in the fourth, jumping ahead early with dominant net play from Lucy Kay and efficient swings from Gilleland on the outside. Behind steady defense from Kofoed and Lutz, Belmont maintained control and closed out the set, 25–21, to force a fifth.
In the decisive frame, UIC built an early lead that the Bruins couldn't overcome, ultimately dropping the set 15–9 despite a late surge featuring two kills from Gilleland.
What's Bruin:
Up Next:
Belmont volleyball returns home to take on Evansville inside the Curb Event Center at 6 p.m. CT on Friday, October 24.
Follow Belmont volleyball on social media – @BelmontVB on X (Twitter) and @belmontvball on Instagram – for complete coverage. Stay up to date with all Belmont athletics through the official Belmont Bruins app, available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.
