The Racers visited Curb Event Center on Thursday, Sept. 25, to face Belmont and lost 3-1 after taking the first set lead with senior outside hitter Nuccio Federica and freshman outside hitter Mija Pristovnik having a combined 28 kills and 28 digs.

The game began with Murray State’s improved offense. Belmont kept the score close, taking the lead back multiple times but inevitably fell short. The Racers outscored Belmont 25-19 and had 16 total kills in the first set alone, a high for the game. The second set, however, Belmont stole the momentum and was able to create a lead the Racers could not come back from. The Bruins took the second set 25-14, doubling the number of kills the Racers scored. 

Belmont took the third set as well, but the Racers tied the match seven separate times and took the lead back three times. Despite their efforts, the Bruins won the set 25-18. The Racers continued to struggle scoring and even though they were able to come back slightly near the end, they fell short and lost 25-16.

Federica had a total of 15 kills and 13 digs while Pristovnik had 13 kills and 15 digs. Freshman libero Halle Forester also had 16 digs of her own, a season high for her.

The Racers’ first home game of the season is on Friday, Sept. 26, at 6 p.m. against Southern Illinois University.