Box Score

ST. PAUL, Minn. - October is typically the time for separation to occur in the MIAC volleyball standings. If today's match between Bethel and Hamline is any indication of who will go forward and who will get left behind, then things are looking pretty good for the Royals. Unfortunately, at the end of today's volleyball action across the conference, the Royals still remain in a four way tie for the top spot, which means there is still work to be done with five matches remaining.

Bethel earned its second shutout in as many matches today by defeating the hosting Hamline Pipers by a score of 3-0 (25-13, 25-19, 25-18) to improve to 15-6 (5-1 MIAC). The Royals won the first set easily, using a six-point run late to go up 1-0. In the second set, Bethel led 10-3 early, but Hamline pulled within two at 18-16 before the Royals closed out the set, winning 25-19. Finally, in the third set, the Royals showed their dominance by scoring the first five points and never looking back in a 25-18 decision to take the match.

Caitie Helle (Jr., Onamia, Minn.) led the Royals with 11.5 points on nine kills and five block assists. Amy Werner (Jr., Three Lakes, Wis.) wasn't far behind with 10.5 points on seven kills, a block, and five block assists. Sam Greeney-Hamlin was the top scorer for the Pipers with 8.5 points.

The Royals are scheduled to take on the Saint Mary's Cardinals next Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. in Winona, Minn., for their next match.