INDIANAPOLIS, In. – The Bellarmine University volleyball team concluded its third weekend of play at the Hampton Inn Invitational, hosted by IU Indy, falling to Gonzaga 3-1 (25-22, 10-25, 17-25, 20-25) on Saturday afternoon at The Jungle.

The Knights (4-5) finished the weekend 2-1 overall after the loss to Gonzaga (6-3).

Junior Natalie Bland once again led BU's offense, notching 14 kills while adding eight digs and an ace. Freshman Abby Julius finished her impressive weekend with nine kills, two digs, one block and one assist. Sophomore Payton Parsons recorded a match-high 18 digs, adding one assist to her line. Redshirt freshman Sarah Turner made her first career start and tallied a team-high six blocks while adding two kills. Senior Kylie Van Hoy paced the Knights with 36 assists with seven digs, two kills, one block and one ace.

Set 1
After starting with a 3-3 tie, Bellarmine went on a 7-1 run to jump ahead 10-4 and force Gonzaga to call its first timeout. The Knights continued to push the pace and extended their lead to 14-6 before Gonzaga turned in a 3-0 run causing BU to use a timeout, up 14-9. From there, Bellarmine maintained control of the set and held a four-point lead at 21-17 when the Bulldogs used their second timeout. After the break, Gonzaga tried to rally, but it was too late as Bellarmine went on to win 25-22 for a 1-0 lead.

Set 2
The second set was all Gonzaga as the Bulldogs stormed out to an 8-3 lead. The Knights put together a few runs in the set, but Gonzaga would go on to win 25-10.

Set 3
Gonzaga once again pushed the pace early and took an 11-6 lead as BU called a timeout. The Knights tried to claw back but were answered by Gonzaga with every point and had to call a second timeout down 17-11. From there, the Bulldogs would go on to take the set 25-17.

Set 4
For the third consecutive set, Gonzaga played fast and took an early lead, going up 11-6 as the Knights used a timeout. The Bulldogs continued to pressure the Bellarmine defense and extended their lead to 16-10 as BU used its final timeout. Bellarmine attempted a late rally, getting within four, down 22-18, but Gonzaga would not be denied, taking the set 25-20 and the match 3-1.

Up next, Bellarmine will travel to its final multi-team event of the season, heading to Ft. Wayne, IN for the Purdue Fort Wayne Invitational where they will take on Mercyhurst, Toledo and Purdue Fort Wayne September 19 to September 20.

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