The Murray State Racers faced a tough defeat against the Belmont Bruins, losing 3-0 during their match in Nashville, Tennessee. This loss positions the Racers at the 7th seed in the upcoming Missouri Valley Conference championship, while the Bruins hover just above them in eighth place.
In the first set, the Bruins initially took a 15-20 lead. However, the Racers made a commendable comeback to level the score at 23-23. Despite their efforts, Mialee Dabbelt’s decisive kills ultimately led to a narrow win for the Bruins. The second set was equally competitive, with both teams tied multiple times, but the Bruins claimed the set with a score of 25-23. In the third set, the Bruins dominated, boasting a hitting percentage of .500 and tallying 20 kills, sealing the match with a 25-16 victory.
Statistically, the Bruins excelled in assists, recording 60 to the Racers’ 40, and leading in digs with 46 compared to 41. The Racers were able to generate more blocks, registering 5 against the Bruins’ 2. Murray State’s offensive efforts were spearheaded by Ella Vogel, who recorded 15 kills, and Bailey DeMier, who delivered 30 assists. Defensively, Dahlia Miller led the Racers with 16 digs, while Darci Metzger contributed 3 blocks.
On the Bruins’ side, three players achieved double-digit kills, with Luck Kay leading the charge with 17. Kamryn Olson and Lilly Lutz were instrumental with 51 assists and 15 digs, respectively.
Looking ahead, the Racers will participate in the Missouri Valley Conference Championship in Cedar Falls, Iowa, with their first match set for Saturday, November 23, at 6 p.m. CT. Supporters can follow the Racers on social media to keep updated on their journey.
Hopeful for the future, the Racers have shown resilience and skill throughout the season. With the upcoming championship, they’ll aim to leverage their strengths and put forth a strong performance. This could be a great opportunity for them to regroup and display their competitive spirit.