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Arden Hills, Minn.—Bethel University's volleyball team travels to Winona, Minn., Tuesday, November 1, to take on No. 4-ranked Saint Mary's University in a quarterfinal match of the 2016 MIAC Playoffs. The No. 5-ranked Royals (17-10, 6-5 MIAC) look to upset the Cardinals (24-4, 8-3 MIAC) for the second time this season, as BU handed SMU just their fourth loss of the season on Friday, October 21. 
 
Jump aboard the playoff train
Bethel University's trip to the 2016 MIAC Playoffs is the team's third consecutive and fifth in the last six years. The Royals reached the championship match in 2015, but fell in five sets to Gustavus in St. Peter.
 
Schedule breakdown
The Royals finished 8-3 at home and 6-0 in neutral settings during the regular season, but went just 3-7 in road contests. Bethel's road woes include a five-set loss at Gustavus and Carleton, a four-set loss at No. 17 UW-Stevens Point, and three-set loss at Augsburg and UW-Eau Claire—both receiving votes.
 
Previous matchup
BU defeated Saint Mary's University 3-1 in Winona on October 21. Despite leading 24-21 in the opening set, Bethel dropped the first game 28-26. The Royals responded, however, with 25-18, 25-20, and 25-21 victories in the second, third, and fourth frames.
 
Senior spotlight
The Royals are led by five seniors, including Katie Lubben, Jillian Krier, Courtney Sheets, Callie Sinclair, and Carlee Hoppe. Four of the five competed on last year's team that advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight. 
 
Double-double
Carlee Hoppe has posted 12 double-doubles this season, including seven in the last eight matches played. The 2015 AVCA All-American Honorable Mention is averaging 2.84 kills and 3.36 digs per set.
 
Hoppe's hot hand
Tina Hoppe has been one of Bethel's most consistent hitters in 2016, as the sophomore is ranked No. 4 across the conference in kills per set (3.24) and No. 4 in total kills (314). Moreover, Hoppe ranks No. 3 among all MIAC players in points per set in conference play (4.2) and No. 4 in total points against league foes (179.5).
 
Block party
Bethel leads the league in block assists and total blocks when facing conference opponents this season. The Royals, who have been without their starting middle hitter throughout the entire MIAC schedule, still managed to finish with 148 block assists and 88 total blocks in league action.
 
Dropping dimes
Bethel setters Holly Ellwanger and Katie Lubben have produced solid numbers for the Royals all season long. Ellwanger leads BU with 563 total assists and 5.69 assists per set, while Lubben's tallied 521 assists and 5.26 assists per set.
 
Diaper dandy
Bethel's dig-leader in 2016 is freshman Dominique Dabu, who leads the team with 294 digs and 3.54 digs per set. Dabu posted four matches with 20-plus digs, including a career-high 26 against Saint Benedict on September 24.