Belmont volleyball couldn’t snap its losing streak, falling to Illinois State University and Bradley University in the Curb Event Center last weekend.
Friday’s match against the Redbirds started off grim for the Bruins as they found themselves down 20-10 in the first set.
The Bruins showed grit and determination, rallying back with a 10-3 run to make the score 23-20.
Despite the rally, the Redbirds were able to fend off the Bruins, securing the set 25-20.
The Bruins were shut down by the Redbirds in the following frames. Every attempt at a Belmont comeback was quickly stopped.
Illinois State was able to capture the match in three sets, winning the second 25-15 and the third 25-14.
In the first set against Bradley on Saturday, it seemed that the Bruins had found life as they recorded 17 kills to only two attack errors, taking leads of 12-6 and 17-9.
After an ace from senior Lauren Walsh, the Bruins won a 25-14 decision in set one.
The second set was back-and-forth with multiple ties, but the Braves were able to capitalize on some Belmont mistakes, securing the second set 25-23.
Bradley never allowed Belmont to get into rhythm, executing perfectly placed kills and thwarting every Belmont attack.
Attempting the comeback, head coach Katelyn Harrison inserted junior Laura Shoopman – who was unable to play against Illinois State due to injury – into the lineup.
Shoopman made an instant impact for the Bruins, tallying six kills and keeping the set close. Belmont was able to cut the deficit to 20-19.
But the Braves were able to go on a 5-2 run, securing the match with a 25-21 win.
“It's hard. We've got some injuries, and we're trying to run new lineups. But without making excuses, we just have to work harder," Harrison said.
Belmont looks to snap its losing streak when it travels to Iowa to take on Drake University on Friday and the University of Northern Iowa on Saturday.
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PHOTO Senior Lauren Walsh attacks the ball in Friday’s match against Illinois State University. Ben Burton/Belmont Vision
This article was written by Ty Wellemeyer