NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Drake volleyball team (16-7, 9-2) cruised through a 3-0 victory at Belmont (11-14, 5-6) this evening as the Bulldogs won their second-straight match. Drake overcame some early threats to take care of the Bruins 25-15, 25-15, 25-18 to close their two-game road trip.
 
Drake and Belmont traded scores in the opening set after the Bulldogs opened a quick 3-0 lead. The host Bruins rattled off a 3-0 run of their own to take a 7-6 lead but could not keep Drake's offense at bay. The Bulldogs doubled Belmont up the rest of the way highlighted by a 4-0 run to snag a 10-point lead. Haley Bush ended the first set with a kill assisted by Madison Geise.
 
The second set had an identical final score of 25-15 and started in similar fashion as Drake began the frame with a 5-1 spurt punctuated by a Theo Rotto service ace, one of her match-best two aces. Drake managed another 6-0 run midway through the period and kept their foot on the gas as Macy Daufeldt ended the set in favor of the Bulldogs.
 
Belmont provided their biggest threat to Drake's match lead in the third set, jumping out to a 6-1 advantage. The Bulldogs were up for the challenge and chipped away at the Bruins' lead, eventually getting back on top at 11-10. Another quick 7-0 rally gave Drake a lead at 20-14, too wide for Belmont to claw back into it as Macy DeLeye took her turn and ended the match with a kill.
 
Taylor Oberpriller led all players with 13 kills and added five blocks and nine digs. Rotto's pair of service aces were the most on either squad. Addison Beagle and Madison Geise combined for 28 assists. Defensively, Kacie Rewerts' nine blocks were a season-best and Jada Wills posted 13 digs.
 
"Our team did well tonight," Drake head coach Darrin McBroom said. "And I'm proud of everyone for stepping up. Everyone contributed, but Theo Rotto did especially well coming in off the bench tonight."
 
Next, the Bulldogs will return home for four-straight home matches, their final homestand of the 2023 regular season. Drake will open the homestand with a match against Bradley on Friday, Oct. 27 at 6 p.m.


NOTES

• Drake is now 7-3 away from home this season.
• 11 of Drake's 16 wins have come via sweep.
• The Bulldogs have now won two matches in a row and seven of their last eight contests.
• Kacie Rewerts blocked a season-best nine hits to lead all players.
• Thea Rotto matched her career high with a pair of service aces.
• Haley Bush is second all-time on Drake's all-time kills list with 1,593.