Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 BOX SCORES: Game one | Game two

ROSEVILLE, Minn. – After winning two 3-0 matches Friday evening, the Royals tasted defeat for the first time of the 2012 season Saturday morning when falling to UW-River Falls in three straight games. Bethel quickly got back on its feet, however, by defeating Buena Vista in the ensuing competition to end the weekend tournament 3-1.
 
BU struggled to get any offense in place against the Falcons during the 10 a.m. match. Amy Baumetz (Sr., Three Lakes, Wis.) led the squad at the net with a .333 attacking percentage, including 12 kills. Caitie Helle (Sr., Onamia, Minn.) was the next highest with five kills.
 
Cierra Nickel (So., Sanborn, Minn.) led the team in assists, finishing with 19. Additionally, libero Val Smith (Sr., Alexandria, Minn.) totaled 22 digs in the losing effort.
 
Despite a 3-0 defeat, Bethel gave UW-River Falls a competitive battle as the Royals finished game one and two with 20 and 21 points, respectively.
 
The Royals made quick adjustments after its loss to the Falcons and came out explosive in the final match of the tournament against Buena Vista. As a team, Bethel finished the three-set affair with a .351 attacking percentage on 42 kills. Baumetz and Helle took charge again, as each finished with 11 kills and a .476 attacking percentage. Claire Assam (Fr., Sioux Falls, S.D.) also finished with six kills.
 
Such a powerful offense resulted in 34 assists for Nickel, who also posted four service aces in the match.
 
Bethel will return home for its own two-day tournament, as the Royals welcome five other schools to the Bethel Volleyball Tournament on Sept. 7-8. Throughout the weekend BU will face Linfield College, Martin Luther College, Central College, and Northland College. Live stats and webcasts will be available for all Bethel games.