ROSEVILLE, Minn. — Bethel University and the University of Northwestern-St. Paul have had a number of unforgettable volleyball matches over the last decade and Friday evening was no different. The Royals (17-7) jumped out of the gates with a 2-1 lead over the No. 14-ranked Eagles (28-6), but UNW responded with back-to-back victories in the fourth and fifth set to secure the home victory.
 
The first three frames resulted in a 25-22 score with BU possessing the 2-1 advantage. Bethel then led 16-15 in the fourth, but a 7-0 rally for the Eagles allowed UNW to force a decisive fifth set. Northwestern then grabbed a 3-0 lead to start the fifth and never looked back, locking in the 3-2 come-from-behind win.
 
The Royals and Eagles were tied at 72.0 points each. BU recorded 60 kills, zero aces, and 12 blocks, while UNW posted 62 kills, five aces, and five blocks. Bethel collected 57 assists and 96 compared to the Northwestern's 58 and 97.
 
Middle hitters Kristin Stern and Maria Claflin had a field day, as the two tallied 20 and 18 kills, respectively. Stern hit .333, while also delivering seven blocks. Claflin hit .357 to go with her four blocks.
 
Brooke Olstad and Dominique Dabu amassed 19 digs, while Bailey Israelson and Mikayla Morrow logged 30 and 23 assists.
 
As exciting as Friday evening was, Saturday should be even more electric as the Royals face Augsburg University at 2 p.m, which will determine their postseason fate. Bethel needs to defeat the Auggies in order to assure themselves a fourth consecutive MIAC Playoffs berth. Following their match against Augsburg, BU will take on UW-River Falls at 6 p.m.