BELMONT, Miss - The Belmont Lady Cardinals had an eventful and successful week on the volleyball court. They kicked things off with their first division win of the season, defeating the Booneville Blue Devils in a crucial match.

After a weather delay on Thursday, the team traveled to Oxford for the highly competitive Oxford/Lafayette Tournament. Their tournament run began with a strong victory against Richland. Next, the Lady Cardinals faced the formidable Oxford Chargers. Despite a shaky start and early unforced errors, the Cardinals fought back with aces from Jacey Deaton and powerful kills by senior Sadie Randolph and junior Keiley Robinson. They managed to narrow the gap but ultimately fell short 21-25 to the 7A powerhouse.

Up next was another challenge from a 7A opponent, Northwest Rankin. In a close contest that went back and forth, big blocks from Sydnee Wilemon and Katie Jourdan kept the Cardinals in the game, but they lost 2-1, sending them to the silver bracket.

As the top seed in the silver bracket, the Lady Cardinals received a first-round bye. In the semifinals, they faced the Amory Panthers (4A). Amory’s talented outside hitter posed a tough challenge, but key plays from senior Klara Kate Bohannon and clutch digs from Bella Smith helped secure a 2-0 victory.

In the silver bracket championship, the Cardinals squared off against Crockett County from Lawrenceburg, TN. Belmont trailed midway through the first set, but a well-timed block by Elly Reno and four consecutive aces from Sadie Randolph turned the tide, leading to a 26-24 first-set victory. The Cardinals dominated the second set to claim the championship win.

Coach Cleveland expressed her excitement about her team’s performance, noting that they’ve "found their groove" and are poised for more success this season. Fans can catch the Lady Cardinals in action Thursday for a key division game and again Saturday at home for the Belmont Tournament.