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ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - Bethel University returns to the NCAA Division III Tournament for the fourth time in team history, and the first time since 2007 as it travels to Moorhead, Minn. to take on Northwestern College in the opening round. The Royals enter the tourney with an overall record of 22-9, winning its last 12 of 15 matches, which includes a win against regional foe Saint Benedict and two losses to the University of St. Thomas. BU has compiled an record of 2-3 in the NCAA Tournament over the past ten years, including a win in the opening round of the 2007 and 2001 campaign.

Bethel faced Northwestern earlier in the season, losing a 3-0 match to the Eagles early in its second competition at the ACR Homes Volleyball Opening Tournament at NWC. From there both the Eagles and Royals have found success, as Northwestern comes into the NCAA DIII Tournament with a 27-6 record. BU started the season 3-3, yet finished the regular season on a 18-5 streak.

The Royals have surpassed its opponents in several categories this season in head-to-head match-ups. In 2011 BU is averaging 12.6 kills per set, opposed to its opponents 11.1 average, alongside a 2.2-1.6 advantage in blocks per set. Bethel is led at the net by upperclassmen Nicole Wriedt (Sr., Pewaukee, Wis.), Haley Toter (Sr., Park Ridge, Ill.), Caitie Helle (Jr., Onamia, Minn.), and Amy Werner (Jr., Three Lakes, Wis.). Wriedt is averaging 2.87 kills per set in 108 sets played, congruent with a .222 attacking percentage. The senior has also recorded 107 digs and 69 blocks for BU. Toter has averaged 1.30 kills and 2.87 digs per set. Helle has composed 2.98 kills per set and a .217 attacking percentage. The Onamia native dug 78 total attacks and blocked 91 opponent kills. Werner turned on the burners as of late, now averaging 2.85 kills per set and a .246 attacking percentage. The junior leads the team in blocks with 127 total blocks, averaging 1.15 blocks per set.

The three netters are assisted by Bethel's setter Kate Smith (Sr., Arden Hills, Minn.). Smith has managed 1,044 assists in her senior season, averaging 9.58 assists per set. Kate has showcased her multidimensional play with 215 digs and 63 total blocks, alongside 26 service aces. Smith and the upperclassmen at the net receive great help from Valerie Smith (Jr., Alexandria, Minn.). The libero has 584 digs, averaging 5.21 digs per set and has tallied 33 service aces.

Friday night's match is set for 5:30 p.m. For the most up-to-date information on all region action and teams competing, including a running blog, ticket information, and visitor information,  click here.