LOUISVILLE, Ky.—The Bellarmine University volleyball team was in a position that it really needed a big win, and the Knights got exactly that tonight as they protected their home court with a 3-1 (25-17, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21) win over the University of Southern Indiana in a Great Lakes Valley Conference match at Knights Hall.

The Knights came in on a seven-match losing streak, but came out with confidence from the first whistle, and rode that confidence to a four-set victory over the Screaming Eagles, who entered tonight's contest with an impressive 11-4 record.

"We have been taking positive steps forward each weekend," said Bellarmine Coach Jenni Grzebin, "and it was nice to see that translate to a win at home. Our balanced attack and solid defense were the keys to this victory," she said. "Many players contributed both offensively and defensively, and we had great energy from the bench.  So, this was very much a team win." 

The third year Bellarmine coach added, "I thought Allie Muha did an awesome job of running our offense tonight, and Jordyn Kuchenbrod kept us system tonight with her digs."

The statistics support Grzebin's analysis.  Five different Knights recorded double digit kills and four came up with 12 or more digs.  As a team, Bellarmine out-dug USI by a 97-78 count and had 24 more kills than the Screaming Eagles (68-44).

Among the many standout performances for the Knights were 11 kills and 15 digs from Hayden Dailey while Muha also recorded a double-double, tying a career best with 51 assists and adding 16 digs.  Megan Kimbley led the Knights with 13 kills with Bridget Guinane and Margaret Horihan each ringing up 12.  Ashley Jefferson also recorded double digit kills with 11.

Kuchenbrod, who entered the match ranked second in the GLVC in digs per set, upped her lofty average with 28 digs on the night, and freshman Abby Schlaug chipped in with 12.

On the other side of the net, only Shelbi Morris reached double digits in kills with 12, and libero Shannon Farrell was the USI digs leader with 25. 

Bellarmine improves to 7-10 overall and 2-5 in conference play. Southern Indiana slips to 11-5, 4-3 GLVC.

The Knights are back on the road this weekend, traveling to Wisconsin-Parkside on Friday and league leader Lewis on Saturday.

BOX SCORE (HTM)