ST. PAUL — Bethel University's volleyball team suffered a conference setback against St. Thomas Friday evening by a final score of 3-1 in Schoenecker Arena. The Royals (16-6, 5-4 MIAC) showed great perseverance by winning game three 28-26 after dropping the opening two sets, but the No. 20-ranked Tommies (21-5, 7-1 MIAC) crushed any momentum BU had by winning the fourth frame 25-13.
 
Bethel finished the night affair with 60.0 points on 51 kills, two aces, and seven blocks, while also collecting 51 assists and 95 digs. Meanwhile, St. Thomas posted 74.0 points on 61 kills, seven aces, and six blocks, in addition to 59 assists and 100 digs.
 
Kristin Stern and Tina Hoppe had a stellar night, as the senior middle blocker and junior outside hitter each collected 15 kills while hitting over .300. Hoppe also tallied 13 digs and three block assists. Brooke Olstad recorded eight kills, 19 digs, and one ace.
 
Dominique Dabu generated a team-high 27 digs, while setters Bailey Israelson composed 27 assists and 11 digs and Mikayla Morrow manufactured 19 assists and 15 digs.
 
Bethel's season continues Wednesday, October 25, when they host Carleton College at 7 p.m. in the Robertson Center Gym on Senior Night. The Royals then closeout the conference season on Saturday, October 28, when they host Augsburg College at 2 p.m. in a must-win affair.