MURRAY, Ky. – The Belmont University volleyball team (15–9, 6–7) picked up an important Missouri Valley Conference road win Thursday night, defeating Murray State 3–1 inside Racer Arena. After a slow opening frame, the Bruins regrouped and delivered a balanced, energized performance the rest of the way, earning the victory by scores of 17–25, 25–20, 25–22, and 25–14.
Belmont opened the match out of rhythm, struggling in serve receive and unable to consistently score against the Racers' early pressure. A block from Emily Warmenhoven and a kill from Erin McMullen provided highlights, but the Bruins couldn't close the gap in the first set.Â
From there, Belmont found its footing. Behind a momentum-shifting solo block from McMullen and a burst of energy sparked by three straight aces from Brooke Gilleland, the Bruins surged in the second frame. Strong attacking from McMullen and Brenna Kauffeld helped Belmont even the match heading into the third.Â
The third set featured major swings of momentum, with big rallies on both sides. The Bruins leaned on strong swings from Gilleland and a clutch line shot from Alexia Smollen, winning long rallys to take a 2–1 match lead.
Belmont closed the night with its most dominant performance of the match, controlling the fourth set from start to finish. Behind standout back-row play from Lilly Lutz and clean execution in transition, the Bruins rolled to a convincing 25–14 victory to seal the road win.
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Belmont volleyball returns home for Senior Night on Saturday, taking on Northern Iowa inside the Curb Event Center at 5 p.m. CT.
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