In a tough match on Tuesday afternoon, the Murray State Racers faced off against the Belmont Bruins in Nashville, Tennessee, ultimately losing 3-0. This defeat solidified the Racers’ position as the 7th seed in the upcoming Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) championship, while the Bruins remain in contention for the tournament, currently holding the 8th seed.
The first set was tightly contested as the Bruins initially established a 15-20 lead. However, the Racers made a push to tie the score at 23-23. In the end, the Bruins secured the set thanks to back-to-back kills from Mialee Dabbelt. The intensity continued into the second set, which saw seven ties before the Bruins claimed another narrow victory with a score of 25-23. The third set showcased the Bruins’ dominance, as they hit at an impressive .500 clip and recorded 20 kills, winning the set decisively 25-16.
In terms of statistics, the Bruins outperformed the Racers in assists, leading 60-40, and also had more digs, with a count of 46-41. However, the Racers excelled defensively with a higher number of blocks, tallying 5 compared to the Bruins’ 2.
Ella Vogel stood out for the Racers with 15 kills, while Bailey DeMier contributed significantly with 30 assists. On the defensive front, Dahlia Miller recorded 16 digs, and Darci Metzger made her mark with three blocks. The Bruins saw three players achieve double-digit kills, with Luck Kay leading the team with 17. Kamryn Olson and Lilly Lutz also had impactful performances, contributing 51 assists and 15 digs, respectively.
The Racers are set to regroup and prepare for the Missouri Valley Conference Championship in Cedar Falls, Iowa, where they will play their first match on Saturday, November 23, at 6 p.m. CT.
For fans wishing to keep up with the team’s journey, updates are available on social media platforms including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, specifically for Murray State Athletics and volleyball.
Looking ahead, this loss could serve as a valuable lesson for the Racers as they enter the championship tournament. Each match is an opportunity for growth, and with their determination and talent, there is hope that they can make a strong run. With continued support from their fans and commitment to improving, the Racers’ potential remains bright.