NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Belmont University volleyball team (13-9, 10-1 MVC) earned its fifth consecutive victory Friday night, defeating Drake in four sets inside the Curb Event Center. The Bruins continued their best start to Missouri Valley Conference play in program history, reaching 10 conference wins behind a strong defensive effort and key offensive performances. 

Belmont vs. Drake (W, 3-1) 

Belmont opened the match with strong defensive play from Mya Bolton and Jordan Czajkowski, helping the Bruins establish an early advantage. Emily Warmenhoven delivered a powerful solo block to put Belmont ahead 7-4, sparking momentum as the Bruins began to build their lead. Sydnee Nelson led the offensive effort, recording five kills through Belmont's first 15 points as the Bruins reached a 15-10 advantage. Bolton continued to anchor the back row with strong defensive touches, while Nelson remained consistent on the outside. The freshman delivered her eighth kill of the set to secure a 25-19 opening-set victory. 

Drake responded with a stronger start in the second set, taking a narrow advantage as both teams battled through extended rallies. Bolton delivered a service ace to even the score before Brenna Kauffeld added a block and a kill to tie the frame at 13-13. Belmont began to find success at the net, with blocks accounting for four of the Bruins' five points during the set's middle stretch. Lucy Kay followed with back-to-back kills to push Belmont to 21 points, while the Bruins continued to apply defensive pressure. Three of Belmont's final four points came from blocks as the Bruins closed out the set, 25-22. Belmont totaled seven blocks in the frame to take a 2-0 match lead. 

The Bulldogs came out strong in the third set, finding success at the net and putting pressure on Belmont's offense. Kauffeld delivered a key kill to bring the Bruins within one at 14-15, while Connie Kofoed entered the match and immediately contributed a block to help Belmont regain momentum. Despite several strong offensive plays, Drake maintained its advantage and took the third set to extend the match. 

Belmont responded with renewed energy in the fourth set, using hustle and timely kills to regain control. Kofoed provided a spark offensively, delivering three consecutive kills to push the Bruins ahead and build momentum through the middle of the frame. Nelson then took over from the service line, leading a five-point run to close out the match. The freshman capped the run with a service ace to seal the fourth-set victory and secure Belmont's fifth consecutive win. 

What's Bruin 

• Sydnee Nelson recorded a career-high 16 kills and added eight digs. 
• Mya Bolton led the match with a career-high 33 digs and contributed two service aces. 
• Brenna Kauffeld tallied 11 kills while hitting .391, adding one ace, four blocks and 11 digs for her second double-double of the season. 
• Lauren Evans contributed 11 digs and two assists. 
• Erin McMullen and Lucy Kay each recorded seven kills and tied for the match high with seven blocks. 
• Belmont improved to 10-1 in MVC play, extending its best conference start in program history. 

Up Next 

Belmont remains at home Saturday, Oct. 31, hosting UIC at 2 p.m. CT inside the Curb Event Center for its Halloween match. The match will stream live on ESPN+, with live stats available through GoBelmontBruins.com. 

Follow @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.