OGDEN, Utah – The Belmont University volleyball team (1-2) battled through a pair of five-set contests Saturday to conclude play at the Wildcat Invitational. The Bruins showcased a balanced offensive attack and fought through two tightly contested matches against San Francisco and tournament host Weber State but were unable to finish either comeback effort.
Match 1: vs. San Francisco (2-3)
Belmont opened the day against San Francisco with an explosive start, racing out to a 7–0 lead behind strong play at the net and early offense from Emily Warmenhoven and Connie Kofoed. The Dons battled back to take the opening set, but the Bruins responded with a gritty second-set victory, pulling away after a 4–4 tie behind additional back-row offense from Brenna Kauffeld in Belmont's 6–1 system. Jordan Czajkowski capped the 25–19 win with a set-point ace.
The teams continued to battle throughout the middle of the match, with San Francisco narrowly taking the third set after the score was tied at 20–20. Belmont remained competitive behind key contributions from Mialee Dabbelt and Erin McMullen, but the Dons carried their momentum through the decisive fifth set to secure the five-set victory.
What's Bruin
Match 2: vs. Weber State (2-3)
Belmont returned to the court Saturday evening for another tight matchup against tournament host Weber State. The Bruins and Wildcats battled throughout the opening set before Weber State pulled away late, but Belmont answered with a 25–18 victory in the second behind consistent offense from Warmenhoven and Erin McMullen's effectiveness on the slide.
The Bruins continued to battle throughout the match, using the hands of the block to their advantage and receiving big swings from Kauffeld and Dabbelt. Belmont forced a decisive fifth set with a 25–22 victory in the fourth, highlighted by several smart plays from Czajkowski at the net.
Weber State used strong defensive play and a powerful attack to build momentum in the deciding set. Belmont continued to fight behind key plays from Kofoed, Alivia Keegan and Lucy Kay but ultimately fell 15–11 in its second five-set battle of the day.
What's Bruin – Weber State
Up Next
Belmont returns to Nashville to host the Belmont Invitational at the Curb Event Center. The Bruins welcome South Alabama, Samford and Middle Tennessee for the tournament, beginning Friday, Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. CT.
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