Box Score

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - The Bethel Royals took on the University of St. Thomas Tommies, who are currently undefeated in conference play and ranked #5 in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) national poll. While the Royals gave them a run for their money, the Tommies were too much and walked away with a 3-1 victory.

Ready and determined to take on the Tommies, the Royals won the first set 25-20. Besides the first two points, Bethel led the entire set, holding leads of seven points at two separate times. In the subsequent three sets, the Royals were able to hang with St. Thomas, but ultimately succumbed to the Tommie's powerful offense. St. Thomas took the last three sets 25-14, 25-14, 25-18.

Bethel showcased some of their own offensive prowess this evening as Nicole Wriedt (Fr., Pewaukee, Wis.) scored 16 points, which consisted of 15 kills and two block assists. Following her in points was Kelly Otto (Jr., Plymouth, Minn.) with seven kills and two block assists, totaling eight points. Close behind in were co-captains Chelsea Falck (Sr., DeForest, Wis.) and Jennifer Stoa (Sr., Brooklyn Park, Minn.) who both had a total of seven points in the match. Falck had seven kills and Stoa had five kills and four block assists in the match.

Katie McCaffrey of St. Thomas led her team in points with 12 kills and six block assists, totalling 15 points in the match. McCaffrey led the conference in hitting percentage and kills per set entering tonight's match.

The Royals are now 1-5 in MIAC play and 6-12 overall, while the Tommies are 6-0 in MIAC play and 18-1 overall.  Bethel looks to rack up some non-conference wins in the Border Battle Tournament that they are scheduled to play in this weekend, which will take place at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn. Their first two games are scheduled for Oct. 10, at 4 p.m. against Central College and at 8 p.m. against Simpson College.