ST. JOSEPH, Minn.—The Bethel University volleyball squad hit the court for the first time of real action Friday afternoon, taking on both the No. 25-ranked UW-Stevens Point and Northland College in the first day of competition at the Saint Benedict Volleyball Tournament. Facing two nonconference opponents, the Royals split with the two teams—falling 0-3 against UW-SP and defeating Northland in the second match 3-0.

BU dropped the opener to UW-Stevens Point 3-0, with game scores of 25-19, 25-22, and 25-18. Freshman, Carlee Hoppe, enjoyed her collegiate debut—tallying 12 kills in 27 attempts for a .296 attacking percentage. Fellow freshman, Katie Lubben, aided Hoppe—recording 16 assists and four digs in the opening match.

Callie McKown and Nicole Ackatz each slammed nine kills against the Pointers, but UW-SP's 16 kills from Krista Loos and 10 kills from both Allison Davis and Emma Brunkhorst proved to be too much down the stretch.
Following the loss to Stevens Point, Bethel cruised by Northland College in three sets 25-2, 25-11, and 25-11. The Royals .643 team attacking percentage in the opening set paved the way for a successful match. Ackatz managed n .875 attacking percentage with seven kills on eight attempts, while Hoppe also flushed down seven kills on 16 attempts (.375).

Ashlyn Hucky logged 11 assists in two sets played, while Kali Johnson and Hoppe each had six digs throughout the affair.

The Royals come back tomorrow for their final two matches of the tournament—facing UW-Eau Claire and the University of Northwestern (Minn.) at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., respectively. Both opponents tomorrow, as well as UW-Stevens Point, were all members of the 2012 NCAA Division III Playoffs. For all tournament information and links for live stats and webcasts, click here.