Arden Hills, Minn.—The Bethel University volleyball team utilized a quick start and a strong finish in every set to sweep Carleton College 3-0 and pick up their first MIAC win of the season. The Royals overcame late deficits in the first two games to grab the 2-0 lead and used that momentum to get the victory on their home court.
 
The opening set featured multiple lead changes, which at one point had the Royals trailing the Knights 16-19. BU would not fold, though, as the Royals went on a 9-2 run to close out the frame with a 25-21 victory.
 
Carleton composed a 6-0 run in the second set to tie the score at 16-16, but Bethel manufactured a 4-1 run out of a timeout to take the 20-17 lead. That didn't stop the Knights, as they stormed back with a 5-1 run to lead the set 22-21. The Royals rallied, however, and won the second set 25-23.
 
The third game featured a series of Bethel runs to complete the three-game sweep over the Knights. The Royals jumped out to an early 7-2 lead and despite Carleton narrowing the gap, BU created an 8-2 run that resulted in a commanding 17-8 advantage. The Knights refused to go away, though, as they mounted a 9-2 run which brought the score within four 21-17. A Royals' timeout slowed Carleton's momentum and allowed BU to close out the match with a 4-1 run to win the set 25-18.
 
Bethel hit .227 throughout the match, with 41 kills, 16 errors, and 110 attempts, while limiting Carleton to a .142 attacking percentage. The Knights edged the Royals in blocks 7-6 behind Katherine Miles's four block assists and three others that tallied three.
 
Katie Lubben finished the match with 19 assists, and eight digs, while Mikayla Morrow was right behind her with 13 assists, and seven digs. Carlee Hoppe led the attackers with 11 kills, as Tegan LaBerge hit .450 with 10 kills and three block assists.
 
With the win Bethel improves to 11-5 on the season and 1-1 in the MIAC. The Royals will go on the road this Friday, September 25 at the College of Saint Benedict for another conference showdown at 7:30 p.m.