ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Coming into Saturday's matinee against St. Thomas, the Bethel University volleyball team likely needed a win to host a postseason match in the MIAC tournament. Despite battling incredibly tough throughout the match, the Royals were unable to defeat the No. 9-ranked Tommies, falling 3-0, and as a result, dropped to fifth in the conference standings.
 
Bethel, who finished its regular season 18-9 overall and 7-4 in conference play, took at least 22 points in every game against the Tommies. UST, who finished its regular season 22-6 overall and 10-1 in conference play, had four players hit in double figures, however, and finished with 58 digs throughout the three sets. The Royals went point-for-point with St. Thomas in the final set, but the Tom's finished with the final two points to take the match 3-0.
 
Carlee Hoppe continued to play at the highest level, finishing the match with 13 kills and a .294 hitting mark. She led the Royals, who hit .262 as a team. Kali Johnson had another great day all around, finishing with nine kills, 12 digs, and a .318 attacking percentage. Three others on the BU roster recorded eight kills throughout the match.
 
Katie Lubben finished with over 40 assists for the 12th time this season, adding seven digs to her stat line as well. In addition to Johnson's 12 digs, sophomore DS Jillian Krier added 10 digs herself. The Royals finished with 6.0 total blocks, including 5 block assists from middle Tegan LaBerge.
 
Because of Saturday's result, the Royals will travel to Winona, Minn., on Tuesday night to face Saint Mary's University in the first round of the 2014 MIAC Playoffs. First serve is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.