Box Score

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - In 2001, Bethel's women's volleyball team won the MIAC Championship by going 10-1 against MIAC foes in the regular season and then swept the three-game playoff tournament. Fast forward 10 years and the Royals are aiming to do the same thing. Tonight's 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-23) win over visiting St. Catherine not only gives Bethel it's first 20-win season since 2007, but also keeps them in a four-way tie for first place in the MIAC with a record of 7-1 heading into the last three matches of the season. 

Bethel and St. Catherine previously met earlier in the month for a non-conference match as part of the Central Classic, hosted by Central Collge in Pella, Iowa. The Royals defeated the Wildcats 3-2 to begin what has become a nine-match winning streak against NCAA teams. Bethel has also won 12 of its last 14 matches.

The Royals knew they had a worthy opponent on the other side of the net, and the two teams played a see-saw battle throughout the night. Bethel never had a lead larger than five points, but only trailed for a brief time during the middle of the third set, and by only two points.

After winning the first two sets, both on kills by Caitie Helle (Jr., Onamia, Minn.) who had 18 on the night to lead all players, the Royals took time to honor the 2001 team with a brief ceremony. The current volleyball team also honored the 2001 team by wearing retro uniforms from the era for the match.

Nicole Wriedt (Sr., Pewaukee, Wis.) was the other Royal to reach double-digit kill figures with 12. She also added four digs, an ace, and a block assist to her line. Wriedt is the subject of this week's MIAC Friday Feature, which profiles an outstanding student-athlete.

Kate Smith (Sr., Arden Hills) dished out 40 assists in 44 attempts and had six digs and a block assist, while libero Valerie Smith (Jr., Alexandria, Minn.) had 19 digs, four assists, and an ace.

Stephanie Meschke and Kelsey Wirtanen led the Wildcat attack with 10 kills apiece.

Bethel will bounce back into action tomorrow at 3 p.m. for a match against Macalester at 3 p.m. in St. Paul. Next week will be the final and decisive week of the season as Bethel takes on two of the three teams they are tied with in the standings to close out the season.

Notes: - Bethel clinched a berth in the MIAC playoffs with the win tonight.
- Heidi Miller, Beth Nowachek, Stacy VandeLoo, Janelle Nelson, Jill Thorvig, and current assistant Carissa Carroll were among the members of the 2001 team on hand for tonight's ceremony.