CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The Belmont University volleyball team (14–8, 5–6) opened its Iowa road trip Thursday night, falling 3–0 to Northern Iowa inside the McLeod Center. Despite stretches of strong serving and improved defensive rhythm, the Bruins couldn't overcome the Panthers' efficient attack and fell by scores of 25–16, 25–18, and 25–19.
Northern Iowa jumped out to an early lead in the opening set, forcing a Belmont timeout at 11–3. While the Bruins found some momentum behind solid serving from Connie Kofoed and back-to-back aces by Jordan Czajkowski, UNI's consistent offense and strong blocking proved too much. Late kills from Brenna Kauffeld, Alexia Smollen, and Lucy Kay helped close the gap before the Panthers sealed the frame.
Belmont found better rhythm in the second, responding with improved defense and steady passing. Brooke Gilleland put down a powerful kill early in the set, followed by an ace from Alivia Keegan and a key block from Emily Warmenhoven to keep the Bruins in competition. Kauffeld and Teagan Brandsma contributed kills off the bench, but UNI's offense continued to find holes, taking the set 25–18.
The Bruins came out strong in the third, jumping to a 6–1 lead behind strong defensive touches from Erin McMullen and libero Lilly Lutz. Belmont's energy continued with a big swing from Gilleland and an ace from Kofoed, but Northern Iowa rallied midway through, erasing the deficit and pulling ahead down the stretch to complete the sweep.
What's Bruin:
Up Next:
Belmont Volleyball continues its road trip in Iowa, facing Drake on Saturday inside the Knapp Center at 5 p.m. CT.
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