DES MOINES, Iowa — Drake defended its home court in dramatic fashion on Wednesday night, rallying for a five-set victory over Belmont, 3–2 (25–13, 19–25, 24–26, 25–17, 15–8), at the Knapp Center.

The Bulldogs opened the match with a dominant first set, hitting .361 while controlling the pace from the service line and at the net. Macy Daufeldt and Caroline Smith powered the early surge, combining for eight kills as Drake cruised to a 12-point win.

Belmont responded, taking sets two and three behind a hot offense, but Drake never lost composure. In the fourth set, the Bulldogs swung momentum firmly back to their side. Daufeldt continued to be a force, finishing with a team-high 18 kills on .318 hitting, while Kacia Brown and Aniyah Davis each added timely points to rebuild control. Drake hit .310 in the frame and forced the decisive fifth.

The Bulldogs saved their cleanest volleyball for last. Drake sided out at 77% in the fifth set and limited Belmont to just three kills. Behind clutch swings from Brown, Daufeldt, and Smith—and a steady defensive presence from libero Emaline Handzel, who collected 30 digs—Drake closed the match on a late run to secure the win.

Setter Addison Beagle was outstanding in command of the offense, distributing 75 assists while adding 14 digs and three aces. Brown (10 kills, .286) and Smith (14 kills, .194) provided consistent scoring, while Handzel and the Bulldog block (7.0 team blocks) helped hold Belmont to .147 hitting on the night.