Arden Hills, Minn. - As the MIAC volleyball season starts to wind down, three of four playoff berths remain up for grabs between six teams, making for a tight race.  Bethel entered tonight's match against St. Olaf looking for a win to inch them closer to another MIAC playoff appearance.

However, a day after the Royals cracked the national top 25 poll (#23 CSTV/AVCA coaches) for the first time since the 2003 preseason poll, the Oles reminded the Royals that despite their 2-5 MIAC and 10-9 overall record, anything can happen as they defeated Bethel at home 3-1.

The Royals got off to a good start, winning the first match 30-23, but then St. Olaf grabbed the next three games (30-28, 30-26, and 30-24) for the victory.  Strong performances from Oles Kim Smisek (27 kills, 16 digs) and Jane Meyer (18 kills) kept Bethel from taking and holding a lead.

There were a total of 25 ties and 12 lead changes over the course of the four games.

Liz Glesne (Sr., Underwood, MN) led the way for Bethel with 16 kills and 21 digs.  Four other Royals had double digit kills, including Kelly Otto (So., Plymouth, MN) who had 13 kills, two blocks, and two block assists.

The loss drops Bethel to 6-2 in conference and 21-5 overall.  St. Olaf improves to 3-5 in the MIAC and 11-9 overall.  The Royals stay home for their next match when they face off against Augsburg at 3 p.m. on Saturday.