Box Score

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – Bethel's volleyball squad made it three-straight with a 3-0 win over Macalester College Saturday afternoon. The Royals (19-10, 6-3 MIAC) utilized 14-kill and 10-kill performances by Caitie Helle (Sr., Onamia, Minn.) and Kali Johnson (Fr., Tacoma, Wash.), respectively, to route the Scots (7-18, 0-9 MIAC), who have yet to compose a conference victory in 2012. With Saturday's win, BU is now tied for third in the MIAC with a 6-3 record and two games to play–both against ranked opponents.

BU owned the Scots in the first set 25-11, before Macalester fought to a 25-17 loss in the second and 25-21 defeat in the third. Helle led the Royals with 14 kills, three blocks, and a .355 attacking percentage. Kali Johnson recorded a .368 hitting mark, alongside her 10 kills and nine digs. Nicole Ackatz (Jr., Elkhorn, Wis.) also managed six kills and a .545 attacking percentage. As a team, Bethel composed a .290 hitting mark.

Paige Van Wyk (Fr., Sheldon, Iowa) was the team's primary setter for the second straight match, finishing with 33 assists Saturday. Van Wyk also sniffed out 13 digs, while libero Val Smith (Sr., Alexandria, Minn.) ended the afternoon matinee with 19 digs.

The Royals will face Saint Benedict and St. Thomas in the final week of play, as BU travels to St. Joseph Wednesday night and hosts the Tommies Saturday evening. The NCAA's regional rankings were just released last Thursday, which showcases the Toms as No. 1 and the Blazers No. 4 in the region. Interestingly enough, Bethel was ranked No. 6.