VALPARAISO, Ind. – The Belmont University volleyball team (4-8, 1-0 MVC) opened Missouri Valley Conference play with a 3-1 road victory over Valparaiso Friday night inside the Athletics-Recreation Center. After dropping a marathon opening set, the Bruins responded by taking the next three frames, 25-21, 25-19 and 25-16, to secure their first conference win of the season.

Belmont vs. Valparaiso (3-1)

The Bruins jumped out to an early advantage in the opening set, using a five-point run to force a Valparaiso timeout. Alivia Keegan helped Belmont maintain its momentum with a dump and a solo block from the right side as the Bruins continued to hold the lead. Valparaiso battled back to tie the set at 22-22 following a successful challenge, setting up a back-and-forth finish. Brenna Kauffeld and Emily Warmenhoven delivered consecutive kills to give Belmont set point, but the Beacons answered to take a 25-24 lead. Kauffeld tied the set at 25-25, followed by a Keegan block to put the Bruins back in front but Valparaiso's offense responded to take the opening set, 29-27. 

Belmont answered immediately in the second set, racing out to a 6-1 lead behind kills from across the lineup. The Bruins continued to utilize Kauffeld in the back row offensively and built a 17-10 advantage, forcing another Valparaiso timeout. The Beacons began to chip away at the deficit by pressuring Belmont's serve receive, eventually tying the set at 20-20. Connie Kofoed entered late and delivered a key block to put the Bruins back ahead 22-20, while Kauffeld's ace sealed the 25-21 comeback win.

The Bruins carried their momentum into the third set, with strong defensive touches from Mya Bolton helping Belmont build an early advantage. Madison Lansdown added an ace to make it 17-11 before Kofoed followed with a kill for an 18-12 lead. Kofoed continued to make an impact after entering the match, helping Belmont build a 22-15 advantage. The Bruins won a challenge on Kofoed's kill for set point before closing out the frame, 25-19.

Belmont continued its dominant play in the fourth set, with Kofoed leading the offensive attack from the outside. Two more kills from Kofoed helped the Bruins jump ahead 9-3, while kills from Erin McMullen and Kauffeld extended the advantage to 15-9. Belmont maintained control through the remainder of the frame, with Keegan delivering the final kill to secure a 25-16 victory and the 3-1 match win.

What's Bruin

• Freshman Sydnee Nelson recorded a career-high 10 kills and 10 digs for her first career double-double.
• Brenna Kauffeld led Belmont with 15 kills, while Connie Kofoed added 11 kills off the bench.
• Erin McMullen recorded seven kills while hitting .412 and led the match with four blocks.
• Mya Bolton led all players with 29 digs.
• Jordan Czajkowski led the match with 30 assists and added 16 digs for a double-double.

Up Next
Belmont continues its Missouri Valley Conference road weekend Saturday, Sept. 26, traveling to Chicago to face UIC at Credit Union 1 Arena. First serve is set for 2 p.m. CT. The match will stream on ESPN+, with live stats available at GoBelmontBruins.com.

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