MORRIS, Minn.—Bethel University's volleyball team wasted no time bringing back the drama of college athletics, as the Royals began their 2015 season with a gutsy 3-2 road win over the University of Minnesota-Morris. BU stuffed the stat sheet all night long, but the Cougars protected their home court and forced five games in the opening match.
 
The Royals took the first, third, and fifth set handily, but couldn't close the door on games two and four—both times losing by two points. Bethel hit .316 throughout the night, including a .600 average in the fifth set and a .516 mark in the third.
 
Four players on the BU squad posted double-digit kills, with Carlee Hoppe leading the way at 22. Hoppe not only went over 20, but also hit .380 and managed 21 digs throughout the night. Fellow junior Tegan LaBerge manufactured 16 kills, 3.5 blocks, and a .364 attacking percentage. Tina Hoppe and Kristin Stern each hit over .300 and finished with 14 and 12 kills, respectively.
 
Katie Lubben began 2015 right where she left off in 2014. The junior setter, who finished No. 10 nationwide last year in assists per set, finished Tuesday's season opener with 43 assists. Lubben and Carlee Hoppe were two of four to post double-digit digs, in addition to Kali Johnson and Tina Hoppe, who had 15 and 10 each.
 
Bethel finished the match with 10 total blocks and nine serving aces. The Royals will need the same firepower this weekend, as they host seven other teams in their annual invitational. BU faces Buena Vista University and Martin Luther on Friday evening before taking on Nebraska Wesleyan and UW-Superior Saturday afternoon.