Belmont Powers Past Southern Illinois in Four-Set Thriller

Belmont Vision Multimedia

Belmont University’s volleyball team claimed a 3-1 win over Southern Illinois on Friday night, securing its second-consecutive victory and maintaining momentum early in conference play.

Before the match, seniors Brooke Gilleland and Lilly Lutz were acknowledged for reaching 1,000 career digs, setting the tone for a night filled with celebration and energy inside the Curb Event Center.

The first set started with a back-and-forth battle between the Bruins and the Salukis. Belmont stayed ahead with Gilliland guiding the team in attacks and Lutz supporting the back row.

Despite a late start from the Bruins and a successful challenge from Southern Illinois overturning a point, the Salukis maintained their lead to take the set 25-22.

In the second set, Gilleland, along with Bella Mathis and Emily Warmenhoven, powered Belmont's offense with kills and blocks that gave them early control in the game. Southern Illinois called two timeouts, trying to dampen the Bruins' momentum, but Belmont continued to command the scoreboard and won 25-16, evening the match at 1-1.

The third set was the most intense of the night. Both teams bartered points in a back-and-forth stretch with multiple ties and long rebounds.

Belmont called a timeout with the score 24-24. After a challenge against Southern Illinois resulted in a point overturned to Belmont, the Bruins closed out the third set 27-25.

In the fourth and final set, Belmont sustained a steady energy with Erin McMullen and Mathis forming a strong blocking duo, stopping several Saluki attacks, while Jordan Czajkowski provided constant serving from the back line.

Southern Illinois used multiple timeouts to recollect, but the Bruins held their lead down the stretch. A final kill sealed the 25-22 win and the 3-1 match victory.

Gilleland had a commanding presence throughout the match and contributed to the team’s energy.

“I think the biggest thing is the momentum that it creates, it drives you to keep going,” Gilleland said.

Belmont moves forward with another conference match against Illinois State next week, looking to continue its winning streak. -   

This article was written by Kali Akridge