NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Belmont University volleyball team (14–7, 5–5) battled through five sets Saturday night inside the Curb Event Center but came up just short, falling 3–2 to Bradley in an emotional Will's Match honoring Madison Lansdown's brother, Will Lansdown, in support of Niemann-Pick research.
The Bruins opened strong behind the serving line and with stellar defense, setting the tone early in the first set. Behind the hands of Brooke Gilleland and Brenna Kauffeld, Belmont built an early lead and forced a Bradley timeout at 18–10. A dominant serving run from Alivia Keegan and scrappy defensive play from libero Lilly Lutz helped the Bruins close out the set, 25–16.
The second frame featured tighter play, with both teams trading points at the net. Belmont's blocking presence, led by Emily Warmenhoven and Erin McMullen, held the Braves' attack. With the score tight late, Warmenhoven and Kauffeld delivered back-to-back kills to seal a 25–23 win and give the Bruins a 2–0 match lead.
Bradley responded in the third, taking advantage of a slower Belmont start and building momentum midway through the set. Despite a late surge from Warmenhoven and a clutch block from Bella Mathis, the Bruins couldn't complete the comeback, dropping the frame 25–20.
The Braves carried their momentum into the fourth, capitalizing on Belmont's fatigue and extending their lead with consistent offense. A spark off the bench from Mialee Dabbelt and key plays from Kauffeld weren't enough, as Bradley evened the match with a 25–18 win.
In the deciding fifth set, the Bruins continued to fight but couldn't overcome an early deficit. Switching to a 5–1 with Alivia Keegan in the front row, Belmont rallied late but ultimately fell 15–10 as the Braves closed out the match.
What's Bruin:
Up Next:
Belmont Volleyball hits the road to Iowa next week, taking on Northern Iowa on Thursday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m. CT in Cedar Falls, Iowa, inside the McLeod Center.
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.
