Box Score

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – After winning five straight Ohio Valley Conference matches, the EKU volleyball team was outlasted by Belmont University, 3-0, Saturday at the Curb Center.  
 
Belmont won by scores of 26-24, 25-23 and 25-19.
 
The Bruins erased a five-point Eastern advantage in the first to even the set at 11 apiece. The remainder of the set saw 10 more ties and seven lead changes as the teams traded advantages.
 
EKU held a two-point lead, 24-22, before back-to-back ball handling errors sparked a 4-0 run for the Bruins as they claimed the opening set.
 
The teams exchanged narrow leads in the second set, as neither team could establish momentum. The Bruins collected consecutive points giving them a 24-22 lead before claiming the second set.
 
Belmont never trailed in the deciding set, picking up the win over the Colonels. The loss ended a five-game OVC win streak for Eastern.
 
Rachel Vick logged a team-high 12 kills. Vick's 12 kills came on 14 total attacks, hitting .714 in the loss. Celina Sanks finished with nine kills and 16 digs while Cassie Knutson added 32 assists, six digs and two blocks for the Colonels.
 
EKU (8-20, 7-5 OVC) will play its final two OVC games next weekend at McBrayer Arena. The Colonels host Eastern Illinois Friday before taking on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Saturday.