RALEIGH, N.C. – The Belmont University volleyball team (3-6) battled NC State throughout Sunday afternoon but ultimately fell to the Wolfpack, 3-0, in the final match of its North Carolina road trip at Reynolds Coliseum. Belmont dropped the three sets, 20-25, 17-25 and 23-25.
The Bruins came out strong in the opening set, putting together long rallies, consistent defense and strong coverage. Erin McMullen delivered a slide kill to tie the frame at 7-7, while Emily Warmenhoven later came up with a solo block to give Belmont the lead. The Bruins continued to battle neck-and-neck with the Wolfpack, taking a 19-17 advantage before NC State answered with a 19-19 tie. The Wolfpack ultimately used its offensive pace to pull away late, taking the set 25-20. McMullen provided a dominant presence in the middle throughout the frame.
Belmont faced an early deficit in the second set but continued to battle, highlighted by a huge solo block from Alexia Smollen and strong defensive touches from Mya Bolton. NC State's blocking presence created difficulties for the Bruins offensively, and Belmont was unable to close the gap as the Wolfpack took the second set, 25-17.
The Bruins showed their fight in the third set, making an offensive adjustment to a 6-2 formation with Teagan Brandsma on the right side. After a yellow card early in the frame was upgraded to a red card for head coach Fritz Rosenberg, Belmont continued to compete. Kills from Warmenhoven and McMullen, along with an ace from Bolton, helped the Bruins stay within striking distance. McMullen's kill brought Belmont within one at 24-23, but NC State closed out the match with a 25-23 third-set victory.
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Up Next
Belmont returns home for a pair of cross-town clashes next week, beginning with Vanderbilt Thursday, Sept. 17 at 6 p.m. CT inside the Curb Event Center. The Bruins then host Lipscomb Saturday, Sept. 19 at 5 p.m. CT. Both matches will stream on ESPN+, with live stats available at GoBelmontBruins.com.
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