Arden Hills, Minn. - A come from behind win in the third game proved to be the pivotal turning point that catapulted Augsburg to a 3-2 win over Bethel at the Robertson Center on Saturday.  Bethel lost for just the 6th time all season, but for the second time in a row to a conference opponent with a losing MIAC record.

Bethel won the first two games 30-24, and 30-22, but was unable to seal the victory in the third game, despite being ahead 26-20 at one point.  Augsburg rallied to win 31-29, thus defeating a Royal team that began the week ranked 23rd in the nation according to the CSTV/AVCA coaches poll.

Augsburg's 30-20 win in game four set the stage for a tense rubber match.  The Auggies jumped out to a 4-0 lead, but Bethel fought back, tying the score at 5, and then again at 13.  Ultimately, the overall momentum shift in favor of Augsburg proved too great as the Royals fell 15-13.

Liz Glesne (Sr., Underwood, MN) recorded 24 kills in the effort to lead the Royals, while Kelly Otto (So., Plymouth, MN) had 14, followed by Chelsea Falck (Jr., DeForest, WI), Amy Anderson (Sr., Alexandria, MN) and Jennifer Stoa (Jr., Brooklyn Park, MN), each with 11.

Laura Naig (Sr., Kasson, MN) provided 62 of the Royals 71 assists while Joslin Geisler (Sr., Grand Rapids, MN) led the team with 30 digs.

Kristina Lurken and Laura Harms led the way for Augsburg with 18 and 16 kills, respectively. 

The loss drops Bethel to 21-6 overall and 6-3 in conference with two matches remaining.  Their next match will be against Concordia in Moorhead next Wednesday.  Concordia has clinched a playoff spot in the MIAC tournament, leaving just 3 slots available.  Augsburg moves to 12-15 overall and 3-6 in conference.