The Murray State Racers, with a record of 14-13 overall and 9-9 in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), faced a challenging match against the Belmont Bruins on Tuesday afternoon in Nashville, Tennessee, ultimately losing 3-0. This defeat secured the Racers the seventh seed for the upcoming MVC championship, while the Bruins remain in contention for an eighth-place finish.
In the first set, the Bruins raced ahead with a 15-20 lead. Despite a spirited comeback from the Racers, who leveled the score at 23-23, the Bruins clinched the set thanks to a couple of crucial kills from Mialee Dabbelt. The second set proved equally competitive, with the teams tied seven times. However, the Bruins again emerged victorious, winning 25-23. They dominated the third set, showcasing a powerful performance with a hitting percentage of .500 and 20 kills, leading to a decisive 25-16 victory.
Statistically, the Bruins outperformed the Racers with 60 assists compared to Murray State’s 40. In digs, Belmont led 46 to 41, while the Racers excelled in blocking with a total of 5 compared to the Bruins’ 2. Ella Vogel emerged as the top scorer for the Racers with 15 kills, while Bailey DeMier facilitated the offense with 30 assists. Noteworthy defensive efforts came from Dahlia Miller, who tallied 16 digs, and Darci Metzger with three blocks.
On the Bruins’ side, three players recorded double-digit kills, with Luck Kay leading the charge at 17 kills. Kamryn Olson and Lilly Lutz contributed significantly with 51 assists and 15 digs, respectively.
Looking ahead, the Racers are set to compete in the Missouri Valley Conference Championship in Cedar Falls, Iowa, with their first match scheduled for Saturday, November 23, at 6 p.m. CT. Fans can follow the action and updates on various social media platforms including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
This loss serves as a moment for reflection and growth for the Racers, as they prepare for the championship, where they will have the opportunity to regroup and showcase their capabilities on a larger stage. With determination and dedication, the Racers can aim to turn this setback into motivation for their upcoming matches.