NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Belmont University volleyball team (3-7) opened the weekend Thursday night, battling Vanderbilt before falling 3-1 inside the Curb Event Center. The Bruins claimed the opening set, 25-20, before the Commodores rallied to take the final three sets, 25-21, 25-21 and 25-21. 

The match marked the second meeting in program history between Belmont and Vanderbilt following last season's historic Wyatt Lawn matchup. Thursday's contest also drew a program-record 642 fans to the Curb Event Center, marking the largest home crowd in Belmont volleyball history. 

Belmont vs. Vanderbilt (L 1-3) 

Belmont came out strong in the opening set, with Lucy Kay delivering an early kill before Mya Bolton sparked a serving run with an ace. Kills from Brenna Kauffeld and Connie Kofoed helped the Bruins build an early 10-5 advantage. Belmont continued to control the set, using a big rally point capped by a Kauffeld kill to take a 13-8 lead and force a Vanderbilt timeout. The Bruins extended their advantage to as many as eight points at 21-13 following a Kofoed kill and an Alivia Keegan dump. Vanderbilt answered with a late run to cut the deficit to 21-18, but back-to-back kills from Kofoed and a Vanderbilt attack error sealed the opening frame, 25-20. 

Kauffeld opened the second set with another big swing as Belmont carried its momentum forward. The teams battled through a tight frame, with Keegan providing strong play at the net to help Belmont tie the set at 18-18. Sydnee Nelson entered late and Vanderbilt missed a set-point serve to give the Bruins another opportunity at 21-24. Despite strong touches from McMullen and Nelson, Vanderbilt closed out the set, 25-21. 

Belmont continued to show improved serve receive throughout the match and maintained a steady lead early in the third set. Strong defensive touches from Bolton and Keegan helped the Bruins maintain their advantage, while Keegan added a service ace and Warmenhoven contributed a kill to keep Belmont in front. Vanderbilt eventually tied the set at 17-17, but a huge block from Kay put the Bruins back ahead, 19-18. Two straight Vanderbilt errors extended Belmont's lead to 21-18, but the Commodores again rallied to take the set, 25-21. 

Nelson opened the fourth set in place of Warmenhoven as the Bruins looked to extend the match. Kauffeld delivered two early kills before adding an ace to give Belmont a 15-13 advantage. McMullen followed with a big swing in the middle, but Vanderbilt's strong net play helped the Commodores regain the lead. Belmont continued to battle and made adjustments, including a late appearance from Jordan Czajkowski, but the Bruins were unable to close the gap as Vanderbilt secured the fourth set, 25-21. 

What's Bruin 

• Belmont welcomed a program-record 642 fans to the Curb Event Center, the largest home crowd in Belmont volleyball history. 
• Mya Bolton tied for the match high with 16 digs. 
• Brenna Kauffeld led Belmont with 13 kills. 
• Connie Kofoed recorded 10 kills while hitting .476. 
• Belmont hit .394 in the opening set. 

Up Next 

Belmont returns to the Curb Event Center Saturday, Sept. 19, for the annual Battle of the Boulevard against crosstown rival Lipscomb. First serve is set for 5 p.m. CT. The match will stream on ESPN+, with live stats available at 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.