Box Score  | [VIDEOS]: Nicole Ackatz | Nicole Deberry

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Royals captured its first conference win of the 2012 season in definitive fashion, as several players posted key performances in Bethel's 3-0 victory over Gustavus Adolphus. The Royals nipped the Gusties in each game 26-24, 25-23, and 25-22, which was aided by a 10-kill, .230-plus performance from Nickole Ackatz (Jr., Elkhorn, Wis.), Amy Baumetz (Sr., Three Lakes, Wis.), and Kali Johnson (Fr., Tacoma, Wash.).

Bethel set the tone early when overcoming a 13-21 deficit in game one with a 26-24 win that took any wind the Gusties had amassed out of their sails. BU rallied behind five straight serves from Mallory Rundquist (Jr., Kasson, Minn.) and Caitie Helle (Sr., Onamia, Minn.) on an 11-2 run that put Bethel in front 24-23.

The Royals raced out of the gates in game two, owning a 16-10 lead midway through the frame, but the Gusties battled back before falling 25-23. Bethel benefited greatly from a .300 attacking percentage and from having sophomore setter Cierra Nickel (Sanborn, Minn.) back on the court. After nagging injuries Nickel came back to tally 41 assists in Friday's match.

BU grabbed a moderate lead in game three, but never spread the gap to more than three. This allowed Gustavus to climb into the lead late with a 21-20 advantage, but Bethel finished with a 5-1 run that gave the Royals the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) win.

Ackatz led the Royals with 10 kills and an attacking average of .360, while Baumetz ended with 10 kills and .280 attacking percentage. Kali Johnson ended the night with 10 kills as well. Nichole Deberry (Fr., Libertyville, Ill.) had an exceptional night as well, finishing with eight kills, five blocks, and six digs. Caitie Helle's all-around effort was received well by the Robertson Center Gym fans as well, finishing with seven kills, four blocks, and four timely digs.

Val Smith (Sr., Alexandria, Minn.) all Bethel defenders with 19 digs.

The Royals will celebrate MIAC win number one for a short period before coming out against Hamline Saturday for a 3 p.m. matinee. Hamline started the year strong in nonconference play, but has struggled against league opponents. The Pipers are still looking for win number one against conference foes. Live stats and webcast will continue to be available for tomorrow's contest. Live stats and webcast together can be found here, while a full-screen webcast can be seen here.