MIAC Release

The Bethel volleyball team emerged victorious in a pair of huge MIAC matches last week, with sophomore Tegan LaBerge (Maple Grove, Minn.) leading the way. In wins over Hamline (3-0) and Carleton (3-1) the Royals' middle blocker had 27 kills and 14 total blocks with a .373 hitting percentage, with at least 13 kills and six blocks in each victory. For her performance, the MIAC sports information directors honored LaBerge Monday with the MIAC Volleyball Hitter-of-the-Week award.

The Royals, Pipers and Knights all entered last week in hot pursuit of MIAC Playoff bids, so Bethel's two wins were even bigger as the season winds down. In Friday's 3-0 win over Hamline, LaBerge racked up 13 kills, six total blocks (two solo) and a .345 hitting percentage. She was even better a day later against Carleton with 14 kills, eight total blocks and a .400 hitting percentage. In the fourth set, she helped Bethel score nine-straight points to rally from a 24-17 deficit to close out the win. This season, LaBerge has 226 kills, 69 total blocks and a .266 hitting percentage. Her 62 block assists lead the MIAC, and her 1.17 blocks per set in conference play also lead the league. 

Thanks to last week's wins, the Royals remain in great shape to clinch a bid to the MIAC Playoffs, as the team improved to 17-8 overall and 6-3 in conference play. Currently, Bethel is alone in fourth place in the MIAC standings, and extremely close to locking up a bid to the six-team conference tournament. LaBerge and company close the regular season this week with a pair of home matches. Wednesday the Royals host Gustavus at 7 p.m., and Saturday they host St. Thomas in a 3 p.m. match.