Box Score 1 |
Box Score 2 ST. PETER, Minn.—The Bethel University volleyball team had its hands full throughout the entire 2014 Gustavus Adolphus Invitational this weekend, but nothing gave the Royals more competition than Saturday's 10 combined sets against the University of Minnesota-Morris and Simpson College. The Royals came out on the wrong end of a five-game match against the Cougars from UM-Morris, but rebounded well in the final match—taking Simpson College down in five.
Game One [Statistics] The Royals fell behind UM-Morris early, trailing 2-0 after the initial two sets. Bethel showcased great perseverance, however, capturing back-to-back 25-23 victories in the third and fourth games before falling in the final frame 9-15.
The Cougars, who topped the No. 24-ranked Auggies Friday 3-0, pulled out the gutsy victory with 111 digs and 59 kills, alongside a team attacking percentage of .273 in the final set.
Despite going five games, only two players tallied double digit kills in the early afternoon match.
Carlee Hoppe and
Kristin Stern finished with 12 and 11 kills, respectively, but it was Bethel's defense that kept them in the match.
Kevyn Janicek had a career day, amassing 29 digs.
Kali Johnson, who collected 20 digs and eight kills, assisted Janicek defensively.
Katie Lubben and
Courtney Sheets also went for 13 and 12 digs, while Lubben also finished with 29 assists.
Game Two [Statistics] Bethel's mental toughness was significantly tested in the second match Saturday, as the Royals went ahead of the Storm from Simpson College two games to nothing and held on to win the match with a 15-13 victory in the fifth after losing the third and fourth set. BU mustered 25-19 and 25-21 triumphs in the first two frames before falling 21-25 and 23-25 in sets three and four. Bethel then found a way to claw back from a 11-12 deficit in the fifth frame to win the match 3-2.
Katie Lubben had another career day—topping her career high of 56 assists early in the season with 60 assists Saturday against Simpson College.
Kali Johnson also had an unprecedented 28 digs, along with five kills. In addition to Johnson, Janicek added 20 digs defensively.
Kristin Stern led a slough of Bethel attackers in the final match of the tournament with 20 kills, four blocks, and a .356 hitting percentage. Fellow middle blocker
Tegan LaBerge hit .387 and finished with 15 total kills.
Kristi Lauwers had a nice match as well, finishing the nonconference affair with 11 slams.
The Royals hit .274 as a team throughout the match and finished with 83 digs.
Looking Ahead BU begins league play this Wednesday, as they host St. Olaf College at the Robertson Center. The first serve between the Royals, now 10-4 on the season, and the Oles, 4-4 overall, is scheduled for 7 p.m.
