BOX SCORE

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - In their conference opener Tuesday night, the Bethel University Volleyball team fell at the hands of Concordia College 3-1 at the Robertson Center

In a hard fought first set, the Royals battled the Cobbers throughout until Concordia finally broke through at the 20-point margin. The Cobbers would go on to take the first set 25-22 despite the Royals tough play.

The second set proved to be much of the same, with the Cobbers getting out to an early lead, one that proved to be too much for the Royals to overcome. Down 7-14 at one juncture, the Royals clawed back into the match going on an 11-6 run. Unfortunately it wouldn't be enough as the Cobbers took the second set, 25-20.

In a crucial must-win third set for Bethel, the Royals didn't disappoint as they got out to an early lead and never looked back. They would go on to cruise to a 25-15 third set victory, forcing a fourth set.

Early on, the fourth set of the match looked like the Royals would once again dominate play. However, Bethel couldn't maintain their lead as Concordia mustered up enough points to take the fourth and final set, 25-22.

Amy Werner (So., Three Lakes, Wis.) lead the Royals with 18 kills on the evening, while Caitie Helle (So., Onamia, Minn.) and Nicole Wriedt (Jr., Pewaukee, Wis.) each had 10 kills apiece. Kate Smith (Jr., Arden Hills, Minn.) and Beetsy Naatjes (Sr., Sioux Falls, S.D.) each finished with 20-plus assists. Smith had a total of 28 while Naatjes collected 22.

With the loss the Royals move to 4-4 on the season and 0-1 in MIAC play. Bethel will travel down to Decorah, Iowa this weekend where they will be competing in the Luther Tournament held at Luther College. The Royals first match begins Friday afternoon when they will take on Viterbo University at 1 p.m.