ST. JOSEPH—It was a back-and-forth match all night long, but in the end it was Saint Benedict that came away victorious over the Bethel University volleyball team by a final score of 3-2. The Royals came out swinging in the opening set, taking the Blazers 25-19, but dropped games two and three before winning the fourth 25-15. The Royals looked primed for a fifth-set victory early on, as they jumped out to a 3-1 lead, but CSB went on a 12-3 run and closed out the night with a 15-10 triumph.

Tina Hoppe and Tegan LaBerge each had 17 kills throughout the night. LaBerge posted an attacking percentage of .400, while Hoppe finished just under at .350. Carlee Hoppe also finished with double-digit kills, totaling 12 and 19 digs.

Katie Lubben led the Royals with 31 assists, while Mikayla Morrow posted 21. Both setters finished with 11 digs as well. Leading all players defensively was Kali Johnson, who finished with 31 digs.

Bethel returns to action next Friday night, when they host St. Catherine University at 7 p.m. in the Robertson Center Gym.