ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Bethel University's volleyball team hosted the University of Northwestern-St. Paul in a rematch of the 2015 NCAA Region Championship Friday evening. The Royals (10-5, 0-2 MIAC) defeated the Eagles (12-2, 0-0 UMAC) in that memorable five-set thriller one year ago, but it was UNW that got revenge on BU in the Robertson Center Gym as Northwestern recorded the 3-1 victory over Bethel.
 
Playing without Holly Ellwanger, Carlee Hoppe, Tina Hoppe, and Kristin Stern, BU mustered a game against the No. 25-ranked Eagles, but in the end Northwestern managed to overcome Bethel by the final scores of 25-12, 23-25, 25-16, and 25-13.
 
"It has been a very difficult 14 days since our first starter went down with an injury," said head coach Gretchen Hunt. "We had some great contingency plans, which allowed us to still secure some awesome wins, and we have had players step up in unbelievable ways."

"But after losing three more starters, and another senior leader, in the last two weeks, it was more than we could absorb with the contingency plans we had. They gave us everything they had for two heartbreaking 5-set losses in conference matches during this time, and I'm so proud of the character they have shown."
 
Hunt continued, "At this point in the season, teams are working on adding layers to their offense and nuances of game plans. But every couple of days we are literally figuring out a completely different line-up, and trying to remember who we stand next-to on the court. So we aren't able to develop the chemistry and consistency that you need at this point of the volleyball season, even if there are amazing players on the floor."
 
The Royals finished Friday's contest with 44 points on 41 kills, one ace, and two blocks. Leading the way for BU was Callie Sinclair, who posted 19 kills, 10 digs, and two block assists. Brooke Olstad accumulated 10 kills and 10 digs, her first-career double-double.
 
Katie Lubben was called upon to be the lone setter and she stepped up with 37 assists on the night, while Dominique Dabu tallied 17 digs from the back row.    
 
"It was difficult to not have the re-match from last year that we pictured when scheduling this match, but tonight, the group that was out there playing together for the first time did some really incredible things. Callie Sinclair came up huge for us, and Katie Lubben provided great leadership. Our servers were courageous in putting pressure on Northwestern, and there are lots of exciting things on which to build. We have to come back and be ready for a tough St. Ben's team tomorrow."
 
The Royals will do just that, as they host the College of Saint Benedict Saturday afternoon for a 3 p.m. showcase in the Robertson Center Gym.