CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The Belmont University volleyball team (14-10, 11-2 MVC) suffered its second Missouri Valley Conference loss of the season Friday night, falling to league-leading Northern Iowa in three sets at the McLeod Center. The Bruins struggled to find their offensive rhythm against the Panthers, falling 25-10, 25-15 and 25-16. 

Belmont vs. Northern Iowa (L, 0-3)

Northern Iowa established an early advantage in the opening set before Erin McMullen put Belmont on the board with a kill. Mya Bolton provided consistent defensive touches in the back row, but the Bruins struggled to find success offensively as the Panthers extended their lead. Lucy Kay contributed two slide kills to help Belmont generate offense, while Mialee Dabbelt entered off the bench and delivered back-to-back service aces. Despite those efforts, the Bruins were unable to slow Northern Iowa's momentum, dropping the opening set, 25-10. 

Belmont showed improvement offensively in the second set, with early kills from Brenna Kauffeld and McMullen helping the Bruins stay within reach. Alivia Keegan added a setter dump to make it 7-4, but Northern Iowa continued to build its advantage behind several scoring runs. McMullen answered with back-to-back kills, while Kauffeld, Kay and Sydnee Nelson also contributed offensively. The Bruins found more opportunities at the net but struggled to string together points against the Panthers' defense. Northern Iowa maintained control late in the frame, taking the second set, 25-15. 

The Bruins opened the third set with a more competitive start, keeping the score close early and preventing Northern Iowa from establishing an immediate advantage. Belmont continued to battle defensively but was unable to find a consistent offensive rhythm or match the Panthers' pace. Northern Iowa pulled away as the set progressed, closing out the frame, 25-16, to complete the three-set sweep. 

What's Bruin 

• Brenna Kauffeld led Belmont with nine kills, adding six digs and one block. 
• Mya Bolton led the Bruins defensively with 10 digs and contributed two assists. 
• Belmont moved to 11-2 in Missouri Valley Conference play, suffering just its second league loss of the season. 

Up Next 

Belmont concludes its Iowa road trip Saturday, Nov. 7, traveling to Des Moines to face Drake at 5 p.m. CT inside the Knapp Center. The match will stream live on ESPN+, with live stats available through GoBelmontBruins.com. 

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