Marian Box Score | UW-Whitewater Box Score

WHITEWATER, Wis. - On the final day of the UW-Whitewater Invitation, the Royals came away with second place, defeating Marian University (Wisc.) 3-0 (25-15, 25-17, 25-12) before coming up short against Whitewater, 3-1 (25-4, 23-25, 25-13, 25-23), in the championship match.

Against Marian, Bethel maintained control throughout, with Kelly Otto (Sr., Plymouth, Minn.) tallying a team-leading 16 points and 13 kills, Betsy Naatjes (Jr., Sioux Falls, S.D.) contributing 21 assists, Kate Smith (So., Arden Hills, Minn.) adding another 13 assists, and Nicole Wriedt (So., Pewaukee, Wis.) pounding out 6 kills of her own.The victory secured a rematch against a Whitewater team that had beat them 3-0 the night before.

After the first set, it appeared the Warhawks were on their way to another easy 3-0 victory, but the Royals battled back from a 20-17 deficit, taking the second set. The third set saw the Warhawks get out to an early lead 17-8 and close out the set before Bethel could gain any momentum. The fourth set was back-and-forth with neither team being able to garner a significant lead. However, the Warhawks were able to squeeze out a 25-23 win and the match.

Hannah Parks (Jr., Plymouth, Minn.), Wriedt, and Haley Toter (So., Park Ridge, Ill.) each had six kills to lead the Royals. Naatjes put together another solid effort with 23 assists and Valerie Smith (Fr., Alexandria, Minn.) came up with 21 digs. Bethel's record now stands at 3-2 after the weekend tournament.

Next up for the Royals is Bethany Lutheran College, who travels up to the Robertson Center next Wednesday for a match beginning at 7 p.m.