NASHVILLE, Tenn. ā The Belmont University volleyball team (15ā9, 6ā7) returned home Friday afternoon and put together an impressive all-around effort, sweeping Valparaiso 3ā0 inside the Curb Event Center. Behind a fast start, balanced offense, and scrappy defense, the Bruins earned their sixth Missouri Valley Conference victory of the season with set scores of 25ā21, 25ā21, and 25ā20.Ā
Playing a slightly different lineup, Belmont shifted into a 5ā1 system with freshman Jordan Czajkowski running the offense. The adjustment paid off immediately as Brooke Gilleland came out on fire, tallying four early kills while Brenna Kauffeld added three more to spark early momentum. Lilly Lutz and Connie Kofoed anchored the defense, while Erin McMullen and Kauffeld combined for key blocks at the net to help close the first set.Ā
Belmont carried its energy into the second frame, continuing to control the tempo with smart swings and disciplined defense. Contributions from Madison Lansdown, Kofoed, and Gilleland kept the Bruins steady, while Gilleland's explosive hitting and a powerful finish from Alexia Smollen sealed another 25ā21 win.Ā
The Bruins never let up in the third, opening with a service run from Lutz and keeping pressure on the Beacons with efficient hitting and dominant blocking. McMullen and Kauffeld formed a wall at the net, while Lutz's relentless defense and Gilleland's poise in attack helped Belmont pull away late. The Bruins closed out the sweep with a 25ā20 victory, capping a strong midday performance in front of their home crowd.Ā
What's BruinĀ
Up NextĀ
Belmont Volleyball heads to Carbondale, Illinois, to take on Southern Illinois on Saturday, November 8, at 5 p.m. CT inside Davies Gym.Ā
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