ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - The Bethel University volleyball team returned to action for the first time in a week, an emotional week, and fell to the University of St. Thomas by a 3-1 score. The Royals had an uncharacteristically high number of errors in totaling just 50 points in the match. The scores of each set read 25-8, 18-25, 25-19, and 25-20.

UST finished off the first set with a 10-0 run to win going away, 25-8. The Royals rebounded though and took the second set 25-18, controlling the action from the beginning and never letting up. Unfortunately for Bethel, the third set started poorly falling in an early 3-0 hole. Bethel pulled within 7-6 but UST rattled off an 8-0 run to take firm control of the set. The Royals did have a pair of 3-0 runs late in the set to make the final closer at 25-19. The fourth, and what would be final set, saw the Tommies maintain a slim lead throughout, slowly building until a 4-0 run put UST up 14-8. Bethel showed their grit though as they did not go down without a fight. The Royals, down 23-15, scored five of the next six points before St. Thomas was able to get the 25th and final tally for the 25-20 victory. 

Sophomore right side hitter Macie Gavic had an impressive night, totaling 12 kills and five blocks, both team highs. Maria Claflin was second for Bethel in both kills and blocks with eight and four respectively. Senior Karin Canakes made her return to the court after missing the previous six games to injury and had four blocks. Sophomore libero Allie Fauth led the way with 20 digs while Hannah Wilhite dished out 30 assists.

Bethel (21-6, 5-3) will look to get back into the win column when they travel to face Macalester College (9-15, 0-8) at 3 p.m. in St. Paul.