ST. PAUL—Bethel University's volleyball team won its second consecutive match in as many days, as the Royals defeated Hamline University in St. Paul Saturday night. Similar to Friday evening's win over St. Catherine, BU fell in the opening set before winning three straight against the Pipers.
 
Bethel dropped the first set 22-25, despite leading 18-15 late. Both teams went on long runs throughout the frame, including a 4-0 and 5-0 run by the Pipers and a 6-0 and 7-0 run by the Royals. Hamline won 10 of the last 14 points to capture the first-set victory.

HU jumped out to an 8-5 lead in the second, but the Royals responded with a 4-0 run midway through the set. Then trailing 15-18, Bethel closed out the set on a 12-7 run to capture the 27-25 thrilling victory.
 
BU's composure shown through again in the third set when they gutted out a 25-23 win in the third game, resulting in a 2-1 lead. The Royals then used their momentum from back-to-back triumphs to overcome Hamline in the fourth 25-15.
 
Bethel completed the match with 66 points, thanks to 52 kills, four aces, and 10 blocks. The Pipers posted more assists (46-45) and digs (89-72), but the Royals were able to hit .206 throughout the four sets, opposed to Hamline's .147.
 
Freshman outside hitter Tina Hoppe was incredible, finishing the match with 16 kills, eight digs, and a hitting percentage of .375. Kristin Stern justified her 16 kills Friday with 15 more on Saturday, along with five block assists. Tegan LaBerge added nine kills and four block assists.
 
Katie Lubben led all players with 23 assists and 11 digs, while Mikayla Morrow added 15 assists and nine digs. Kali Johnson finished the match with 26 digs.
 
Now 3-2 in conference play and 13-6 overall, Bethel will take on Concordia College in Moorhead next Thursday at 7 p.m.