LOUISVILLE, Ky.—The Bellarmine University volleyball team won its second consecutive conference match by outlasting the University of Illinois Springfield in five sets on Friday night in Knights Hall.

The Knights got a 24-kill, 13-dig effort from junior Margaret Horihan as Bellarmine ran its record to 11-3 overall and 2-3 in Great Lakes Valley Conference play.

The visiting Prairie Stars, who fell to 5-8 (0-5 GLVC) took an early lead by winning the opening set 25-19. Then, after Bellarmine came back with 25-17, 25-22 wins in the next two sets, UIS came from behind in the fourth set to capture a 25-19 victory to force the fifth set.

Bellarmine posted a 15-10 win in the deciding set as the Prairie Stars hurt themselves by hitting for a negative attack percentage in game five.

Horihan took over the league-lead in kills per set with her performance tonight and is now averaging 3.71 kills per set. The Knights also got double digit kills from Hayden Dailey and Ashley Jefferson, who each rang up 11 on the night.

Illinois Springfield was led by freshman Alli Splitt, who hit .375 while nailing down 15 kills.

Bellarmine setter Allie Muha had a solid night contributing to the offense with 48 assists and aiding the defensive cause with 16 digs and five assisted blocks.

Sophomore libero Jordyn Kuchenbrod notched 27 digs for the Knights as she continues to lead the league in digs per set.

Bellarmine returns to action on Saturday at 3 p.m. when they host GLVC rival McKendree. The Bearcats knocked off Southern Indiana on Friday to improve to 9-5, 4-1 GLVC.

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