ST. JOSEPH, MINN.—For the second consecutive season, Bethel University's volleyball team got the best of Northwestern in the opening weekend tournament, as the Royals—just like they did in day one—split a pair of matches in the second and final day of the Saint Benedict Tournament. Bethel dropped Saturday's opener against UW-Eau Claire 0-3, but came back to take down Northwestern 3-0 in the final contest.  

One year ago, Bethel upended the Eagles at what was then Northwestern College 3-0 with game scores of 26-24, 25-20, and 25-23 in the Erickson Center. Déjà vu seemed to strike again, as the Royals rallied to defeat the University of Northwestern 3-0 (26-24, 28-26, 25-20) in the 1 p.m. matchup.

Carlee Hoppe and Callie McKown were unleashed in the three-set affair, as Hoppe finished with 16 kills, three serving aces, and 10 digs. Meanwhile McKown recorded an exceptional .481 hitting percentage with 15 kills. Ashlyn Hucky played a large part in the two's success—tallying 39 assists, six digs, and three kills in the matchup. The Royals collectively hit .325 and mustered 54 digs—including 21 total digs from sophomores Kali Johnson and Paige Van Wyk.

Bethel trailed 19-22 in the first set, 25-26 in the second, and 17-18 in the third, but was relentless down the stretch in each frame. Two of Hoppe's three serving aces helped the Royals take the lead and stay ahead late in the third game.

BU nearly grabbed the first set against UW-Eau Claire—leading 24-22—but a 4-1 rally helped the Blugolds overtake the Royals in the game, and eventually the match.

Bethel hit just .083 as a team and tallied just 25 assists. Hucky led the team in sets, managing 22 assists, while Hoppe recorded 10 kills. Kali Johnson helped keep the Royals in all three sets with 19 digs, but it wasn't enough down the stretch.

Following the tournament, freshman Carlee Hoppe was selected to the All-Tournament Team. Hoppe finished the 12 games with 45 kills, 34 digs, 14 service aces, and eight blocks.

With Saturday's split, Bethel goes to 2-2 on the year and returns home to host the 2013 Bethel Invitational next Friday and Saturday in the Robertson Center Gym. The Royals will face Martin Luther and St. Olaf on Friday, followed by Nebraska Wesleyan and Concordia (Minn.) on Saturday. All games will have live webcasts and stats available here.