BOX SCORE

NORTHFIELD, Minn. - The Bethel women opened conference play against St. Olaf on Wednesday night defeating the Ole's 3-1. With the win the Royals improve thier overall 2011 record to 8-3.

Nicole Wriedt (Sr., Pewaukee, Wis.) and Caitie Helle (Jr., Onamia, Minn.) led the Bethel attack having 14 and 10 kills respectively. Senior Kate Smith had 35 assists to set up the Bethel offense. Supporting the Royals defense was the combination of Valerie Smith (Jr., Alexandria, Minn.) and Mallory Rundquist (So., Kasson, Minn.) combine for 24 digs.

Several Royals stats are impressive enough to rank them highly in the MIAC. Kate Smith ranks fourth in assists, while Amy Werner (Jr., Three Lakes, Wis.) is second in blocks and tenth in kills. Valerie Smith ranks third in digs.

The Royals will continue to travel to Illinois this weekend as they compete in the Wheaton College Thunder Quad. Then the Bethel women will return to conference play as they are scheduled to take on three conference opponents during the next week and a half.