Box Score  | VIDEOS: Amy Baumetz | Kali Johnson

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – Bethel University won its sixth match in the last eight competitions Wednesday evening by defeating Saint Mary's University 3-0 (25-16, 25-23, 25-15). The Royals (15-8 overall, 4-3 MIAC) composed a .280 team attacking percentage and 10 team blocks to send the Cardinals (11-9 overall, 3-4 MIAC) quickly back to Winona.
 
Kali Johnson (Fr., Tacoma, Wash.) had her best overall performance of the 2012 campaign, finishing with 11 kills on .219 attacking, three service aces, and three block assists. Johnson along with Caitie Helle (Sr., Onamia, Minn.), Amy Baumetz (Sr., Three Lakes, Wis.), and Nicole Deberry (Fr., Libertyville, Ill.) each enjoyed a block party at the net, as the last three were awarded five block assists.
 
Helle and Baumetz were just as electric offensively; as Helle composed 10 kills with a .474 hitting mark and Baumetz managed 10 slams with an attacking percentage of .250.
 
Val Smith (Sr., Alexandria, Minn.) had a solid MIAC performance with 21 digs throughout the three games, which helps keep the Alexandria, Minn. native within the Top 15 nationwide in digs per set.
 
Cierra Nickel (So., Sanborn, Minn.) had quite the night as well, finishing the match with 36 assists. Nickel, like Smith, continues to make noise compared to all setters nationwide, as she is in the Top 45 in Division III volleyball.
 
With the victory, BU wins just its second 3-0 match since September 8—which is something the Royals hope starts trending, especially going into the weekend. Bethel will not only be on the road Friday and Saturday, but will be competing in San Antonio, Texas at the Trinity University Tournament.