COLUMBUS - The Belhaven Volleyball team fell on Saturday afternoon to MUW, 3-1, in Columbus. It was a tight match throughout between the two in-state foes with the Blazers reaching at least 22 points in each of the four sets despite the loss.

The opening set was nip and tuck all the way to the end with the Blazers taking a 12-11 lead midway through after a 3-0 run. The Owls regained the lead and created late separation with a 19-15 advantage. Belhaven batlled back to draw within one late at 23-22, but the hosts recorded the next two points to secure the set.

The Blazers got out to a hot start in the second set with the first four points. Once again, both teams traded points throughout and were even at 13 at the midpoint. The time, it was Belhaven who created the separation late to take a 19-16 lead. The Blazers finished the set to win it, 25-20, and even things up.

The third set remained close from the outset, and the two teams eventually found themselves tied at 20 late. The Owls picked up the game's next four points and were able to hold off a Blazers' rally to take the set, 25-23.

Belhaven jumped out to an early 6-1 lead in the fourth set, but MUW got back in it with four straight to cut the Blazers' lead to 13-12. Another 4-0 run gave the Owls a 19-16 advantage, and the hosts were able to wrap up the match with a second consecutive 25-23 set victory.

Heidi Sheikho led the Blazers with 10 kills. Miriam Ateca paced Belhaven in service aces with four, assists with 18, and digs with 12.

Belhaven returns to action next Friday, September 13th, to face Millsaps in the opening night of the Millsaps Invitational. First serve is set for 7:00 PM inside the Hangar Dome.

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