ARDEN HILLS, Minn. — Bethel University's volleyball team celebrated their home opener in style Wednesday evening by defeating St. Catherine University by a final score of 3-1.
 
The Royals (9-2, 1-1 MIAC) routed the Wildcats (6-7, 0-2 MIAC) in game one 25-9, but SCU responded with a 25-18 victory in the second. BU settled in and went on to win sets three and four by a final of 25-22 and 25-18.
 
Bethel finished the night with 67.0 points on 53 kills, four aces, and 10 blocks, while also recording up 50 assists and 77 digs. St. Kate's, meanwhile, was limited to 54.0 points on 41 kills, eight digs, and five blocks in addition to 39 assists and 61 digs.
 
The Royals started the night trailing 2-0 in the opening set, but an 11-0 run later in the frame gave Bethel a sizeable 16-4 lead which propelled them to victory. BU then led 2-0 and 4-2 in the second, but a 12-4 SCU run gave the Wildcats a 14-8 lead midway through the second. The Royals put up a fight with four straight, but St. Kate's closed out with an 11-5 run that sealed the win.
 
Ironically, the Wildcats led Bethel 2-0 and later 8-2 in the third, but the Royals clawed back—putting together a 16-5 rally that later resulted in a 25-22 triumph. BU then started the fourth with an 11-8 advantage and a 9-3 run later in the frame helped propel the Royals to a 25-18 victory.
 
Kristin Stern led a very balanced Bethel squad offensively as the senior tallied a match-high 13 kills and six blocks, while also finishing with a .313 hitting percentage. Four others finished with at least eight kills or more, including Tina Hoppe (9), Macie Gavic (8), Karin Canakes (8), and Brooke Olstad (8).
 
Dominique Dabu posted a match-high 23 digs, while Olstad was credited with 13, and Hoppe and Mikayla Morrow 12. Morrow and Bailey Israelson each manufactured 22 assists. Morrow also stifled the Wildcats with three service aces.
 
The Royals' season continues Friday with a huge home matchup against Gustavus Adolphus College. The battle with the No. 10-ranked Gusties is a rematch of the 2016 and 2015 MIAC Championship as well as a contest with significant postseason implications. Bethel fans are encouraged to wear white to Friday night's showdown.