BOX SCORE (PDF)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Despite holding leads in the early and middle of all three sets, the Morehead State volleyball team saw host Belmont rally every time to defeat the Eagles 3-0 (25-23, 25-17, 26-24) Friday at the Curb Event Center.

Belmont moved to 6-6 overall and 1-0 in the OVC, while the Eagles slipped to 9-5 overall and 0-1 in early conference action.

Freshman outside hitter Lauren Rokey paced the Eagle offense with 10 kills while hitting .269. Junior middle blocker Jessie Wachtman pounded in eight kills and did not commit an error for a .636 efficiency.

Libero Danielle McCarson totaled 12 of the team's 38 digs. MSU managed a .179 hitting effort, but Belmont topped that at .262.

The Eagles built a 13-8 lead in the opening set after a Belmont attack error, but the Bruins quickly erased that with a 7-1 scoring flurry. The teams deadlocked for the next several points before MSU moved ahead 21-19 via another Bruin attack miscue. However the hosts landed five winners in the next six points, outscoring the visitors 6-2 down the stretch.

Morehead State held early 5-4 and 7-6 leads in the second period, but Belmont used a 7-0 run after the 7-6 lead to take control. Unfortunately the Eagles were not able to cut the Belmont advantage to lower than four the rest of the way. The Bruins landed 15 kills with just three errors in the second set win.

In the third set, it was much the same as Morehead State jumped out to a 7-2 cushion and then held a 10-5 lead after a kill by Wachtman. Belmont stormed back though with a 7-0 run and never trailed again. A late 5-0 run gave the Eagles hope as they climbed back to within 21-19. Back-to-back winners from Wachtman tied the set at 24, but a kill and a ace ended the Eagles rally.

MSU stays in Nashville on Saturday to face Tennessee State at 3 p.m. ET.