FAYETTE, Mo. - Despite a season-high 20 kills from sophomore outside hitter Sierra Athen, the 22nd-ranked Bellevue University volleyball team dropped a hard-fought 3-2 (25-21, 20-25, 23-25, 25-18, 15-8) decision at No. 17-ranked Central Methodist University Friday night in non-conference action at Puckett Fieldhouse.
The loss dropped the Bruins to 10-3 on the season. CMU improved to 11-2 overall. BU is now 2-2 in five-set matches this season.
Athen added 13 digs for her team-leading seventh double-double of the season. She also collected three blocks and a pair of assists.
Andrea Carson finished with 14 kills and six digs. Olivia Galas produced a double-double with 48 assists and 12 digs, to along with six kills, five blocks, and a service ace.
Sidney Craig anchored the Bruin defense with 16 digs and added a service ace and an assist.
Viviane Viana paced the Eagles with 16 kills on .394 hitting.
Jordan Wolfe added 14 kills on .323 hitting. Krystal Brauner paced the CMU defense with a match-high 28 digs while adding seven assists.
CMU held a 68-66 advantage in digs and a 14-10 edge in total blocks.