WAVERLY, Iowa - Bethel entered play at the Wartburg College Invitational tournament needing just one win to match their victory total from last season. They got that, and then some, winning three matches out of four and taking home 3rd place overall. Liz Glesne (Sr., Underwood, MN) earned a spot on the All-Tournament team, giving her that honor in each of the four tournaments Bethel has played in this season.
The Royals won their first match by blanking Simpson 3-0, making it their 13th shutout this season. Amy Anderson (Sr., Alexandria, MN) led the team with 12 kills, while Stephanie Schmidt (So., Montgomery, MN) had 10. Laura Naig (Sr., Kasson, MN) was her usual self, tallying 24 of the team's 30 sets in addition to recording 13 digs and 2 kills.
In their next match, the Royals lost for just the fourth time this season. Bethel took Illinois Wesleyan University to five games, but ultimately fell 3-2, marking the first time this season that the Royals have lost to an opponent not ranked in the national top 25. Liz Glesne (Sr., Underwood, MN), who had just 8 kills total in the Simpson match, came alive against Illinois Wesleyan with 30. Kelly Otto (So., Plymouth, MN) and Anderson each had 10 kills, and Joslin Geisler (Sr., Grand Rapids, MN) had 23 digs to lead the team in that category.
Day 2 of the tournament began bright an early for Bethel as they took on UW River Falls at 9 a.m. The Royals had previously defeated the Falcons 3-0 on Sept. 5, in Arden Hills. River Falls notched a win in the second game, but Bethel ultimately prevailed 3-1 to play for 3rd place in the tournament. Schmidt came through with 16 kills while Anderson and Glesne each had 15. Four Royals earned double-digit digs, and Jennifer Stoa (Jr., Brooklyn Park, MN) had 6 block assists.
The stage was set for Bethel to take on Wartburg, whom they defeated 3-2 just a week ago in the Border Battle at Hamline. The Royals made shorter work of the Knights this time, winning 3-1 to take home 3rd place in the tournament. Anderson again made her presence known in this match, leading the team with 20 kills, two service aces, and a block assist. Betsy Naatjes (Fr., Sioux Falls, SD) played one game as setter in place of Naig and had 11 assists. Naig put up some good numbers in the games she did play with 42 assists and 20 digs, second only to Geisler who had 29 digs.
The Royals led the tournament in team hitting percentage, while Kayla Smith (Sr., Lakeville, MN) had the best service aces per game average.
Bethel's record improves to 21-4 after the three wins this weekend. They return home to take on St. Olaf at 7 p.m. in the Robertson Center on Wednesday.
