Box Score

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Bethel entered the second day of the annual Border Battle Tournament having won three of their last four games, including the last two. However, Central took some wind out of Bethel's sails today by defeating the Royals in a back-and-forth battle, 3-2.

The first set went Bethel's way, 29-27, but Central bounced back to win 25-23 in the second set. Undaunted, the Royals claimed the third set 25-18, but were unable to put the Dutch away in the fourth set, and fell 25-17. The Dutch used their momentum in the fifth and decisive match to defeat the Royals 15-4.

Kelly Otto (Jr., Plymouth, Minn.) was once again the top scorer for the Royals, tallying 18 kills and three block assists for 19.5 points. Co-captain Chelsea Falck (Sr., DeForest, Wis.) had 15 points on 12 kills, two service aces, and two block assists as the next highest scorer. Nicole Wriedt (Fr., Pewaukee, Wis.) was the third Royal in double-digit points with 13 points on an equal number of kills.

Miranda Kauva of Central led all scorers with 21 points on 19 kills, a service ace, and two block assists. The Dutch had two others in double-figures in Lindsay Jennings and Michelle Ripperger with 15.5 and 14.5 points, respectively.

The loss sets Bethel back to 8-13 overall, while Central College, ranked in the national top 25 earlier this season, improves to 10-11 overall. The Royals are scheduled to return to the court for their fourth and final game of the tournament against Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (IIAC) opponent, Simpson, today at 3 p.m.