The Murray State Racers faced a tough defeat against the Belmont Bruins, losing 3-0 in Nashville, Tennessee. With this loss, the Racers finish the regular season with a record of 14-13 overall and 9-9 in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), securing the 7th seed for the upcoming MVC championship. Meanwhile, the Bruins, who now hold an 11-19 record and 6-12 in MVC play, remain in contention for the eighth seed.
The match started off competitively, with the Bruins establishing a 15-20 lead in the first set. However, the Racers showcased their resilience by tying the game at 23-23. Ultimately, it was Mialee Dabbelt’s powerful kills that propelled the Bruins to clinch the first set. The second set was similarly tight, featuring seven ties, but the Bruins managed to edge out another close victory with a score of 25-23. In the third set, the Bruins took control, finishing strongly with a 25-16 score, hitting an impressive .500 with 20 kills.
Statistically, the Bruins outperformed the Racers in assists with a tally of 60 to 40 and edged out in digs, recording 46 to Murray State’s 41. However, the Racers excelled in blocking with five compared to the Bruins’ two.
On offense for Murray State, Ella Vogel stood out with 15 kills, while Bailey DeMier facilitated with 30 assists. Defensively, Dahlia Miller recorded 16 digs and Darci Metzger contributed with three blocks. The Bruins had a balanced attack, with three players achieving double-digit kills; Luck Kay led with 17. Kamryn Olson and Lilly Lutz were also instrumental, notching 51 assists and 15 digs, respectively.
Looking forward, the Racers are set to compete in the Missouri Valley Conference Championship in Cedar Falls, Iowa, kicking off their first match on Saturday, November 23, at 6 p.m. CT. This championship presents an opportunity for the Racers to showcase their capabilities and potentially turn their season around.
Fans can stay connected with the Murray State Athletics updates through their social media platforms on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Following their volleyball team on social media will keep supporters engaged as they prepare for the upcoming championship.
In summary, while the Racers faced a setback against the Bruins, they will use this experience to regroup and focus on their forthcoming challenges. With determination and the right strategy, they may achieve a strong performance in the MVC championship, turning the tide in their favor.