MIAC Release

One of the highlights of the 2015-16 MIAC season was the epic Volleyball Playoff championship match between Bethel and Gustavus in St. Peter, Minn., which the Gusties won 3-1. After each won in dramatic fashion in Thursday's semifinals, the encore was set, with the Royals heading back to Gustie-land for Saturday's 
championship rematch. It's also the rematch of their regular-season meeting – a 3-2 thriller won by Gustavus back in September to open conference play, so expectations are high for this sequel to be just as good as the original.

Gustavus looked like its hopes as repeating as MIAC Playoff champions were going to be dashed in the semifinals when it fell behind 2-0 against St. Thomas Thursday. However, the Gusties rallied to win each of the final three sets in a remarkable 3-2 comeback win, and their hopes of a Playoff repeat are alive and well. This is the Gusties' third appearance in the championship match and they're seeking their second Playoff crown. The team enters with a 22-7 overall record, including a 9-2 MIAC mark to share second place.

Bethel's postseason run has been nothing short of historic, as the Royals are the first No. 5 seed to play in the MIAC Volleyball Playoff championship match and just the second ever to win two road upsets to reach the final. If Bethel can pull of a third-straight road upset in five days and win the title, it will be the first time in MIAC Volleyball Playoff history the No. 1 or 2 seed did not win the crown. The Royals upset No. 4 Saint Mary's 3-1 Tuesday, then stunned No. 1 Augsburg by the same score in at thrilling semifinal Thursday night. Head Coach Gretchen Hunt's club enters with a 19-10 overall record, a 6-5 MIAC mark (fifth place) and the team is seeking its second Playoff title in its third championship-match appearance.