ST. PAUL - In a game with huge implications for the upcoming weeks the Royals couldn't hold on against the University of St. Thomas, losing in four games (3-1). The Tommies nabbed set one 25-20, followed by a 25-20 Bethel victory in the second, finished off by two more set wins for UST in the third and fourth set (25-18, 25-23).

Throughout the match the Royals were led by Amy Werner (Jr., Three Lakes, Wis.), who totaled 16 kills on 32 attempts. Caite Helle (Jr., Onamie, Minn.) contributed greatly as well recording 13 attacks. Numerous players dug out several St. Thomas attacks, however, Valerie Smith (Jr., Alexandria, Minn.) led all players with 25 digs. Kate Smith (Sr., Arden Hills, Minn.) remained steady in assists with 25 sets throughout the four frames.

Down two games to one in the fourth set the Royals held the 22-18 advantage, however, St. Thomas rattled off six straight points, and eventually finished off BU 25-23. With the win the Tommies secured a tie for first place within the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC), alongside Concordia-Moorhead. The Royals were the only team to hand the Cobbers a loss within the conference. With Wednesday night's win over Saint Benedict, Bethel knew they could finish no worse than third with an 8-3 MIAC record. BU tied the Blazers for third place, but because of the win earlier in the week the Royals will be placed as the third seed in the playoffs and will host Augsburg College Tuesday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m.