KENNESAW, Ga.—The Bellarmine Knights turned in a gutsy effort against Kennesaw State on Friday night at the KSU Convocation Center, but the host Owls outlasted the visitors in four sets in an ASUN Conference volleyball match.
 
Bellarmine broke out of the gates in fine style, taking a 25-22 set one victory behind a .310 hitting game.  However, Kennesaw State rebounded to narrowly take the next two sets by the same 25-23 scores then clinched the match drawing away to a 25-13 set four win.

"I loved the way we battled," said Bellarmine Coach Rick Nold. "We wanted to be the aggressor, and I thought the first three sets we accomplished that.  We just needed to clean up a few things at the end of the second and third sets to get the win."

Freshman Gabby Brissett led the Bellarmine attack, totaling 11 kills on 26 swings for a .385 hitting percentage.  Junior Bailey Venard added 10 kills with Kylie VanHoy and Hannah Brown chipping in nine and eight kills respectively.
 
Bellarmine's setting duties were split between Emily Arnold and Macie Garrison, who dished out 20 and 18 assists respectively. 
 
Defensive leaders for the Knights were Anna Lococo with 13 digs while Brissett, Brown and Jayda Harris each totaling two assisted blocks.
 
For Kennesaw State, Dani Ballou led the way with 18 kills and three service aces, and McKinley Ferguson distributed 46 assists while also recording three aces.  Claire Parsons put up seven blocks on the night while Shelby Dennis notched 20 digs for the Owls, who maintain their lead in the ASUN standings.
 
While Bellarmine had the hot hand in the early going, Kennesaw (13-4, 6-1 ASUN) ended the match outhitting the Knights .295 to .220 and held a 9-4 edge in team blocks.
 
Bellarmine (8-11, 2-5 ASUBN) returns to action tomorrow when they take on Jacksonville State at 5 p.m. (4 p.m. CT).