ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Bethel University's volleyball team rallied from a set down to beat St. Catherine University at home 3-1 on alumni night. The Royals dropped the opening set 18-25, but rebounded with a come-from-behind 25-18 win in game two, a 25-19 victory in game three, and a gusty 29-27 win in game four.
 
BU trailed 10-5 in the second set, but from then on targeted their two middle blockers and both Kristin Stern and Tegan LaBerge went to work. Eight kills between Stern and LaBerge, along with four more by freshman Tina Hoppe helped Bethel go on an 18-7 run, which eventually led to the 25-18 victory.
 
Four Tina Hoppe serves after a Bethel timeout in the middle of game three helped the Royals go on a 5-0 run that put them ahead for good 18-15. From there, BU cruised to a 25-19 win before what transpired in game four. Bethel was in control early, leading 10-5, but St. Kate's slowly clawed their way back. When SCU went on a 6-0 run near the end of the match, head coach Gretchen Hunt was forced to take a timeout. From there both teams exchanged two points back and forth until the Royals were finally able to close it out with a 29-27 win.
 
Bethel finished the match with 74 points off of 56 kills, four aces, and 14 total blocks. Leading the way offensively was Stern, who returned for the first time in seven matches, with 16 kills, two solo blocks, and three block assists. Tegan LaBerge racked up 13 kills, two solo blocks, and five block assists. Stern finished the match hitting .342 and LaBerge .429, which inevitably helped the Royals hit .238 as a team.
 
Carlee Hoppe finished the match with 11 kills, five block assists, and 14 digs, while sister Tina Hoppe added nine kills and five digs.
 
Katie Lubben led all players with 31 assists, while Mikayla Morrow posted 17 in the Royals 6-2 scheme. Kali Johnson was able to get to 26 digs, which helped BU finish with 71 total digs.
 
There's no rest for the weary, as Bethel has to turn around and face Hamline University on the road tomorrow night in St. Paul. The Royals and Pipers are scheduled to begin the conference matchup at 5 p.m.