Box Score

WHITEWATER, Wis. - The Bethel University volleyball team began their season today with a match against Millikin University of Decatur, Ill., but fell by a score of 3-1 (23-25, 25-18, 18-25, 18-25). The match is part of a weekend-long tournament hosted by 2007 NCAA Division III runners-up, UW-Whitewater.

In the best-of-five sets play, the Royals narrowly lost in their first set under the new structure which has reduced the points needed for a win in games one through four from 30 to 25. The terminology of college volleyball has also changed "games" to "sets" to adapt to international terminology. This season marks the second time that collegiate volleyball has changed its scoring guidelines in the past eight years.

Bethel rebounded to win the second set, but could not sustain their momentum in the final two sets.

Leading the way for the Royals was Kelly Otto (Jr., Plymouth, Minn.) with 13 kills, and Jennifer Stoa (Sr., Brooklyn Park, Minn.) with 11 kills and two block assists.

Bethel is now 0-1, while Millikin is 1-0 overall. The Royals will try to get back on the winning track as they are scheduled to take on Central College at 5 p.m. today as the tournament continues.