Bruins Drop First MVC Road Match at Indiana State

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Belmont University volleyball team (10-3, 1-1) came up short in its first Missouri Valley Conference road match of the season, falling 1-3 at Indiana State Saturday afternoon inside Hulman Center. Despite strong contributions off the bench and resilient defense, the Bruins could not overcome steady Sycamore play. 

Indiana State set the tone early with strong work at the net and consistent back-row defense to take the opening frame. Belmont battled back in the second behind a block from Emily Warmenhoven and key swings from Mialee Dabbelt, but the Sycamores held off the late push to edge the Bruins. 

Belmont responded in set three with a surge of energy. With Erin McMullen providing a spark off the bench, Bella Mathis delivering from the service line, and Dabbelt continuing to make timely kills, the Bruins effectively responded. The team locked down defensively with key digs from Lilly Lutz, Madison Lansdown, and Alivia Keegan that fueled the run as Belmont claimed the set 25–17. 

The fourth frame saw both teams fight in a back-and-forth battle. Warmenhoven and Brenna Kauffeld powered the attack while Lutz anchored the back row, but Indiana State made late plays to secure the match. 

What's Bruin 

• Emily Warmenhoven led the offense with a match-high 16 kills 

• Lilly Lutz held down the court defensively, with a team-best 19 digs 

• Alivia Keegan guided the attack with 25 assists 

Up Next 

Belmont continues conference play on the road at Evansville Friday, Oct. 3 at 6 p.m. CT inside the Meeks Family Fieldhouse. The match will stream live on ESPN+. 

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.