Box Score

NORTHFIELD, Minn. - As a statement of the quality of the volleyball teams in the MIAC, there are currently four nationally ranked teams in the conference. Unfortunately, the Royals have now played all of them, and have shared a similar fate in each match. Tonight's contest against #25 St. Olaf resulted in a 3-0 loss.

The Royals never seemed to be able to gain their footing against the Oles, who used a six point run early in the first set on their way to a 25-20 win over Bethel. The second set looked like it would be much closer, but again, St. Olaf used runs of four and five points to pull away from the Royals in a 25-18 contest. Finally, St. Olaf jumped out to a 21-9 lead in the third and decisive set, winning 25-14 and taking the match.

Nicole Wriedt (So., Pewaukee, Wis.) led Bethel with 14 points on 12 kills and four block assists. Amy Werner (Fr., Three Lakes, Wis.) was next with nine points on eight kills and two block assists. Betsy Naatjes (Jr., Sioux Falls, S.D.) had 30 of Bethel's 32 assists in the match.

St. Olaf was led by Kim Smisek, who had 15.5 points on 14 kills, a solo block, and a block assist. Two other Oles registered double digit points as well.

At 7-12 overall, the Royals are still looking for their first conference win of the season. They'll have their next chance when they take on St. Catherine University this coming Saturday at 3 p.m. in the Robertson Center Gym. St. Olaf improves to 20-2 overall and 4-1 in the MIAC with the win.