Northfield, Minn. - Coming off a 3-0 loss a week ago to #10 St. Thomas (NCAA DIII coaches poll), the Royals knew their conference schedule wouldn't get much easier with a match against Carleton, who ranked #18 in the same poll entering tonight's game. But after learning from their mistakes in the St. Thomas match and regaining some confidence by going undefeated in four matches at last weekend's Border Battle Tournament, Bethel returned to the court poised and determined to win. They did just that by beating Carleton 3-0 (30-25, 31-29, 30-15) on the road.
This was the second meeting between the two teams – the first match ended in a 3-2 win for Carleton in the championship game of the Northwestern/Bethel Tournament that started the season.
Outside hitter Liz Glesne (Sr., Underwood, MN) once again showed why she is a two-time All-MIAC player by tallying 14 kills and 13 digs on the night. Glesne reached a pair of personal milestones this last weekend at the Border Battle Tournament, surpassing former Bethel standout Carrie Ritland for the all-time school kills record, and also surpassing Robyn Ruschmeier, who played at St. Benedict from 1985-1988, for third place on the all-time MIAC career kills leader board.
Stephanie Schmidt (So., Montgomery, MN) and Amy Anderson (Sr., Alexandria, MN) also recorded double digit kills with 13 and 10, respectively, while Laura Naig (Sr., Kasson, MN) had 38 of the team's 45 sets. As a team, the Royals amassed 11 service aces, while Carleton had none.
The Knights were led by Annie Eckhoff, who had 15 kills.
The win moves Bethel within one of last season's overall win total as they are now 18-3. They also improve to 6-1 in conference, tying them for second place with St. Benedict, whom they beat earlier this year, and Concordia, whom they play on Oct. 23. Carleton drops to 5-2 in conference and 17-2 overall.
Bethel travels down to Waverly, Iowa, for the Wartburg Tournament this weekend before coming back to play against St. Olaf next Wednesday night at the Robertson Center.
*Notes - Bethel entered tonight's game ranked 3rd in the Central Region of the NCAA DIII coaches poll, having also received votes for the national poll.
