NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Belmont University volleyball team (14-12, 11-4 MVC) fell in a five-set battle against Bradley on Friday night inside the Curb Event Center. The Bruins claimed the opening and third sets but were unable to close out the match, falling 3-2.
Prior to the match, Belmont recognized five graduating seniors for their contributions to the volleyball program. Entering the contest second in the Missouri Valley Conference standings, the Bruins faced fourth-place Bradley in a key conference matchup as the regular season nears its conclusion.
Belmont vs. Bradley (L, 2-3)
Belmont opened the match with a kill from Brenna Kauffeld, jumping out to an early 3-0 advantage. The Bruins maintained their lead behind a balanced offensive effort, with Erin McMullen capitalizing on a Bradley overpass and Kauffeld delivering a block to extend the advantage to 18-11. Lucy Kay and Emily Warmenhoven followed with another block, while Mya Bolton provided strong defensive touches in the back row as Belmont secured the opening set, 25-17.
The second set featured a tighter battle, with Bradley taking an early advantage before Belmont responded with a five-point run behind the serving of Madison Lansdown. A block from Kauffeld and Kay helped the Bruins pull ahead 15-12, but the Braves battled back to regain the lead. McMullen delivered several timely kills, including a slide to tie the frame at 23-23. Bradley ultimately held on to take the set, 25-23, evening the match.
Belmont responded with a strong third set, sparked by a diving dig from Bolton that led to a Kauffeld block. Nelson followed with a service ace and a five-point serving run, while Lansdown added another run to help the Bruins build their advantage. McMullen contributed a another slide kill, and Kauffeld added a powerful swing as Belmont pulled ahead 22-16. A key dig from Lauren Evans set up Nelson for the final kill, securing a 25-18 victory and giving the Bruins a 2-1 match lead.
The fourth set remained competitive as both teams traded points through a 9-9 tie. Kay contributed a kill and a block to help Belmont stay within reach, but Bradley pulled ahead late. Despite timely plays from Kauffeld and Kay, the Braves took the frame, 25-22, to force a fifth set.
Nelson opened the decisive frame with a block, but Bradley responded with strong defensive play to build an early advantage. Warmenhoven added a kill, while Nelson continued her standout offensive performance, surpassing her previous career high of 16 kills. The Bruins battled back late, with a successful challenge bringing Belmont within two at 12-14 before Kauffeld delivered a block to make it 13-14. Bradley secured the final point to take the set, 15-13, and complete the five-set victory.
What's Bruin
- Sydnee Nelson led the match with a career-high 21 kills while hitting .327, adding a match-high three service aces and 15 digs.
- Brenna Kauffeld contributed 12 kills, five blocks and six digs.
- Mya Bolton led the match defensively with 23 digs and added six assists.
- Lucy Kay also recorded seven blocks and contributed 10 kills while hitting .391.
- Erin McMullen tied for the match high with seven blocks and added nine kills.
- Jordan Czajkowski recorded 28 assists and 18 digs.
- Emily Warmenhoven recorded 13 kills while hitting .275.
Up Next
Belmont concludes its regular-season home schedule Saturday, Nov. 14, hosting Illinois State at 1:30 p.m. CT inside the Curb Event Center. The Bruins will face the Redbirds for the second time this season after earning their first program victory over Illinois State earlier this fall.
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.
