OGDEN, Utah – The Belmont University volleyball team (1-2) concluded play at the Wildcat Invitational Saturday with a pair of five-set matches against San Francisco and tournament host Weber State. The Bruins finished second overall at the tournament, while Brenna Kauffeld and Erin McMullen were named to the Wildcat Invitational All-Tournament Team following strong performances throughout the weekend.
Belmont vs. San Francisco (L 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. Emily Warmenhoven and Connie Kofoed provided early offense, while Warmenhoven, Alexia Smollen and the Bruins' front line delivered key blocks. San Francisco gradually battled back, however, overcoming the early deficit to take the opening set, 25–22.
The Bruins responded with one of their grittiest efforts of the match in the second frame. With Kauffeld providing additional offense from the back row in Belmont's 6–1 system, the Bruins began to pull away after the score was tied at 4–4. Belmont forced San Francisco into substitutions and a timeout after building a 10–4 advantage and continued to control the set before Czajkowski sealed the 25–19 victory with a set-point ace.
The third set was tightly contested from start to finish, with the teams tied at 20–20 before San Francisco found an edge in the closing points to take a narrow 25–23 victory. Belmont continued to battle throughout the fourth behind key contributions from Mialee Dabbelt on both sides of the ball and back-to-back kills from McMullen, but San Francisco found success attacking deep areas of the court to force a deciding set.
The Bruins returned to their original lineup for the fifth and continued to fight, but the Dons carried their late-match momentum into the decisive frame, taking the set 15–8 to secure the five-set victory.
What's Bruin
Belmont vs. Weber State (L 2-3)
Belmont returned to the court Saturday evening to face tournament host Weber State in its second five-set battle of the day. The opening frame remained close throughout, with McMullen delivering a key slide attack to give Belmont an advantage before adding a block following a tie. Weber State ultimately pulled away in the final points to claim the set, 25–23.
The Bruins quickly responded in the second, earning a 25–18 victory behind consistent offense from Warmenhoven and continued success from McMullen on the slide. Belmont matched the Wildcats' fast-paced attack throughout the frame, and Alivia Keegan entered on set point and delivered a crucial dig to help the Bruins close the set and even the match.
Belmont continued to find offensive opportunities throughout the middle of the contest, using the hands of the block to its advantage while Kauffeld and Dabbelt delivered several big swings. Weber State claimed the third set, 25–20, but the Bruins kept fighting, responding with a 25–22 victory in the fourth to force their second deciding set of the day. Czajkowski provided several timely dumps and smart decisions at the net to help Belmont extend the match.
Weber State elevated its play in the fifth set, combining strong defensive efforts with powerful swings to build momentum. Kofoed made key plays in different rotations, while Keegan and Lucy Kay provided late contributions as Belmont continued to battle. The Bruins fought until the final point but ultimately fell, 15–11, in a hard-fought loss to the tournament host.
What's Bruin
Tournament Honors
- Brenna Kauffeld and Erin McMullen were named to the Wildcat Invitational All-Tournament Team.
- Belmont finished second overall at the Wildcat Invitational, concluding the opening weekend with three matches decided in five sets.
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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