CMU rallies past BU to open play in Pool E

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa -- The No. 23-ranked Bellevue University volleyball team raced out to a strong start but No. 12-ranked Central Methodist rallied to defeat the Bruins 3-2 (21-25, 15-25, 25-17, 25-23, 15-11) on Tuesday morning to open Pool Play in Pool E at the NAIA National Tournament at the Tyson Events Center.

Records:

#23 Bellevue: 27-9
#12 Central Methodist: 31-3

Recap: #12 CMU 3, #23 BU (21-25, 15-25, 25-17, 25-23, 15-11)

Bellevue started strong by winning the first two sets to take a commanding 2-0 lead. However, eight-straight points to open the third set gave CMU life as the Eagles rolled to victory in the third.

The Bruins had a chance to put Central Methodist away in the fourth set, leading 20-15, but an 8-1 run flipped the script as CMU took a 23-21 lead en route to forcing a fifth set.

Central Methodist jumped out to a 4-1 lead to open the fifth set and never trailed. Bellevue got to within two points at 8-6 and 9-7 but were unable to pull closer as CMU held on for the 15-11 victory.

Athen led three Bruins in double figures with 19 kills on .182 hitting. Rosa Reed-Bouley (12 kills, .128 hitting) and Andrea Carson (10 kills, .182 hitting) joined her in double figures. Sienna Black (8 kills, .278 hitting) and Paige Holdsworth (4 kills, .364 hitting) had the two most efficient outings on the attack.

Athen and Galas both registered double-doubles for the Bruins. Athen totaled 19 kills and 10 digs while Galas dished out 59 assists and totaled 13 digs.

Bellevue out-dug CMU 96-94, paced by Holdsworth's 26 digs. Madi Evans dug 21 balls, Galas added 13 as Athen and Sidney Craig totaled 10 digs apiece.

Central Methodist out-hit BU .158-.132 in the match, including holding a .158-.098 advantage over the final three sets.

Viviane Viana paced the CMY attack with 11 kills. Jane Kickham totaled nine kills in support of Viana while Mariana Do Nascimento and Grace Stumbaugh each finished with eight kills.

Kickham led CMU with 22 digs. Krystal Brauner dug 21 balls, Viana totaled 17 digs, and Shannon Peters contributed 11 digs.

Up Next:

Bellevue continues Pool Play tomorrow morning with a 10 a.m. first serve against No. 5-ranked Southern Oregon University.

Pool E Standings

Pool E Schedule/Results