NORMAL, Ill. – The Belmont University volleyball team (12-9, 9-1 MVC) earned its fourth consecutive victory Sunday afternoon, sweeping Illinois State in three sets at CEFCU Arena. The Bruins secured their first win over the Redbirds in program history and their sixth Missouri Valley Conference sweep of the season, improving to 9-1 in league play for the best conference start in program history. 

Belmont vs. Illinois State (W, 3-0)

Belmont and Illinois State traded points early in the opening set, with neither team able to build a significant advantage. Strong blocking touches from Alivia Keegan and Erin McMullen helped Belmont stay competitive at the net before Madison Lansdown delivered back-to-back service aces to put the Bruins ahead 13-10. Belmont continued to build its advantage, becoming the first team to reach both 15 and 20 points. Brenna Kauffeld added a solo block on the right side to extend the lead to 23-17 before finishing the set with a kill, giving the Bruins a 25-19 victory in set one.

The Bruins carried their momentum into the second set, using strong defensive hustle and extended rallies to maintain control. A key rally early in the frame helped Belmont build a 4-3 advantage, while Lucy Kay contributed timely kills through the middle of the set to keep the offense moving. Kauffeld delivered a kill to push Belmont ahead 20-16 before Sydnee Nelson added a service ace to extend the lead to 23-16. Kauffeld followed with another kill to bring up set point, and Kay closed out the frame with a kill to secure a 25-20 victory and give the Bruins a 2-0 match lead. 

Belmont opened the third set with a big block from Kauffeld and quickly established its presence at the net. The Bruins jumped out to an 8-2 advantage, forcing an early Illinois State timeout as Belmont continued to build momentum. Kauffeld led the offensive effort, while the Bruins put together an eight-point run behind two Nelson service aces and strong net play from McMullen. Lansdown added another ace to push Belmont ahead 23-11 before Kay delivered the final kill to complete the sweep and secure Belmont's first program victory over Illinois State. 

What's Bruin 

• Brenna Kauffeld led the match with 12 kills and 13 digs for her first career double-double, hitting .579 and adding two blocks. 
• Lucy Kay recorded 10 kills while hitting .643 and contributed two blocks. 
• Erin McMullen added seven kills while hitting .400 and recorded a match-high five blocks. 
• Madison Lansdown and Sydnee Nelson each contributed three service aces. 
• Jordan Czajkowski led the match with 24 assists and added six digs. 
• Mya Bolton tied for the match high with 13 digs and added two assists. 
• Belmont hit .356 as a team with just five attack errors and recorded a .464 hitting percentage in the third set. 
• The Bruins earned their first program win over Illinois State, improving to 9-1 in MVC play for their best conference start in program history. 

Up Next 

Belmont returns to Nashville for a pair of home matches next weekend, hosting Drake on Friday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m. CT, followed by UIC on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 2 p.m. CT. Both matches will take place inside the Curb Event Center, with live stats available through GoBelmontBruins.com. 

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