Box Score

NORTHFIELD, Minn. - The Bethel Royals met the St. Olaf Oles on the court for the second time this season tonight. However, as the conference playoffs near, tonight's game had much more on the line than the first meeting. Unfortunately for Bethel, they were unable to play the role of spoiler, and the Royals were defeated in straight sets 3-0 (21-25, 17-25, and 15-25).

Bethel's offense had a tough time earning points against a solid St. Olaf defense. Chelsea Falck (Sr., DeForest, Wis.) was the team's leading scorer with 11.5 points on nine kills, a service ace, a solo block, and a block assist. Nicole Wriedt (Fr., Pewaukee, Wis.), who entered tonight's game with a streak of eight matches with 10 or more points, was limited to just 4.5 points despite leading the team in attacks. Co-captain Jennifer Stoa (Sr., Brooklyn Park, Minn.) was the second leading scorer with just 7.5 points on five kills, a service ace, and three block assists.

Paige Olson led the Oles with 15.5 points on nine kills, six solo blocks, and a block assists, while Kim Smisek and Jessica Levin also recorded double-digit kills and points.

With the loss, Bethel falls to 9-16 overall and 2-7 in MIAC play, while St. Olaf keeps their playoff hopes in tact with a 5-4 conference record and 19-10 overall record. The Royals are scheduled to return to Arden Hills to take on Concordia-Moorhead next Wednesday night at 7 p.m. in the Robertson Center gym for their their final home match before closing out the season on the road against St. Catherine on Saturday, Nov. 1.