The Racers were unable to gain enough momentum to beat out conference rival Belmont University in the last game of the regular season, losing to the Bruins 3-0.
During the first set, the Racers started off slow, only scoring once for every two points Belmont put up. In the latter half of the set, the team would go on a five point scoring run to put them at a one point deficit. Even though the Racers were able to tie it up at 23-23, they ended up losing the set 25-23 after back-to-back kills from Belmont freshman Mialee Dabbelt.
Even after a lineup change, the Racers performance in the second set went similarly to the first. Roles reversed in favor of the Racers who only let the Bruins score once for every two points Murray put up. Belmont eventually took the lead going into the latter half of the set. Then, the Racers would yet again go on a five point scoring run that put them just behind the Bruins. The set ended similarly to the first, with a kill from Dabbelt sealing the 25-23 win in favor of Belmont.
The Racers were unable to put together plays in the third set, letting the Bruins go on an early four point scoring drive. The team was unable to keep up once Belmont hit double digits, remaining at least three points behind for the remainder of the set.The powerful hitters of the Bruins proved too much for the struggling Racers, winning the set 25-16, resulting in Belmont sweeping the Racers to end the regular season.
Offensive power was low around the court for the Murray State team, who were not putting up their usual numbers. Only junior outside hitter Ella Vogel got into the double digits with 15 kills, the second highest number of kills from both teams today. Graduate libero Dahlia Miller also played well, totaling the highest number of digs in the game with 16. The Belmont freshman shined, with the team’s offensive charge being led by middle-back Lucy Kay and outside hitter Dabbelt. Kay put up her second best performance of the season with 17 kills, while Dabbelt totaled 13 kills, a season high for her. Another strong performance from junior outside hitter Brooke Gilleland, who had 12 kills, making her the third Bruin to hit double digits, helped secure the sweep for Belmont.
The Racers end the regular season 9-9 in conference play and 14-13 overall. Missouri Valley tournament play starts this weekend in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The Racers are placed in the 7th seed so they will play at 6 p.m. on Sat. 23rd.
