DURHAM, N.C. – The Belmont University volleyball team (3-5) split its opening day of the North Carolina road trip Saturday, earning a 3-1 victory over Marshall before falling to Duke in three sets at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Bruins received a career-best offensive performance from Connie Kofoed against Marshall before battling Duke through three competitive frames.
Belmont vs. Marshall (W 3-1)
Belmont opened the day with a strong start against Marshall, controlling the first set from the opening serve. The Bruins established an early lead behind consistent serve receive and strong play at the net, taking the opening frame, 25-18.
The Bruins continued their momentum in the second set, holding off a late Marshall push to win 25-23. Alivia Keegan delivered a big solo block, while Lauren Evans sparked Belmont from the service line with three aces during an impressive serving run.
Marshall responded in the third set, using a quick offensive attack to take a 25-22 decision. Belmont battled throughout the frame but struggled to get out of rotation. Erin McMullen added a solo block late, while freshman Sydnee Nelson recorded the second kill of her career after entering for Kofoed.
Belmont answered in the fourth, battling Marshall in another tight set. Kofoed tied the frame at 13-13 with her 17th kill of the match, helping the Bruins regain control. Kofoed delivered her 18th kill for match point before Emily Warmenhoven closed out the 25-22 victory with the final kill.
Belmont vs. Duke (L 0-3)
The Bruins closed the day against host Duke, battling the Blue Devils throughout the opening set. Kills from Kauffeld and Kofoed helped Belmont erase an early deficit and tie the frame at 12-12, while a block from Smollen and Kauffeld later knotted the score at 18-18. Duke ultimately pulled away late to take the opening set, 25-21.
Belmont continued to fight in the second frame, getting back-to-back kills from Kauffeld and Smollen before Duke created separation. The Bruins received strong defensive touches from Mya Bolton and Evans and a late block from Smollen, but Duke held on for a 25-18 win.
The third set featured another close battle, with Belmont receiving blocks from Keegan and Smollen and kills from Nelson and Kauffeld. Nelson came up with a big kill late, but the Bruins could not complete the comeback as Duke secured the set, 25-22.
Kauffeld paced Belmont with eight kills and two blocks, while Bolton and Evans each recorded 10 digs.
What's Bruin
Up Next
Belmont concludes its North Carolina road series Sunday, Sept. 13, traveling to Raleigh to face NC State at Reynolds Coliseum. First serve is set for 12 p.m. CT. The match will stream on ACCNx, with live stats available at GoBelmontBruins.com.
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