MARSHALL, Texas - The Belhaven Volleyball Team dropped their first match of the ETBU Invitational in straight sets against Hardin-Simmons.
The first set began with both Hardin-Simmons and Belhaven exchanging points early with no team pulling out ahead. However, Belhaven fell behind 13-6 in the halfway stretch after HSU went on a 5-0 run. The Blazers struggled the rest of the way as HSU took the first set 25-11.
In the second set, the Blazers continued to keep up with HSU but fell behind 15-7. Belhaven began to make a push at the halfway point and got to within four. Hardin Simmons went on a run that was too much for the Blazers and took the next set 25-16.
Belhaven fell behind early in the third set, trailing 7-3. The Blazers pushed the envelope and managed to cut the lead by 3. Hardin-Simmons went on to explode for an 8-0 run. The Blazers fought hard, but fell short in the final set 25-17.
Emma Gardner was stellar on offense for the Blazers leading the way with six kills, while Ellie Jones provided five. Miriam Ateca and Aniyah Tompkins were great in the assists department with Ateca having eight and Tompkins dishing out seven. Kayla Robinson led the way defensively for Belhaven with 14 digs while Emma Gardner pitched in seven of her own.
The Blazers will look to bounce back in their final two matches of the ETBU Invitational Saturday, September 9th against Hendrix at 9:00 AM and the University of Dallas at 1:00 PM.
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