ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—The Bethel University volleyball team welcomed the University of Minnesota-Morris to the Robertson Center for their 2018 home opener Tuesday night. The Royals (4-1) utilized the energy from a packed-out and energetic home crowd to knock off the Cougars (3-2), who had come off a very good opening weekend, by a final score of 3-1 (25-20, 22-25, 25-22, 25-16).
 
BU trailed 14-15 in the opening set before rattling off a 5-0 run, which proved to be the difference in the 25-20 victory. UM-Morris jumped out to a 9-4 lead in the second set, but Bethel went on a 15-8 run and took a 19-18 advantage before the Cougars managed their own 7-3 run to win the second set. The Royals had an early deficit again in game three and the two teams were knotted at 20-20 late, but it was Bethel that finished strong this time with a 5-2 run to closeout the frame. Leading 2-1 in the match, BU left no doubt in the fourth (and final) set. The Royals built an initial 10-4 lead, and although Morris cut the deficit to 10-12, Bethel sealed the deal with a 13-6 run to closeout the match.
 
Coach Gretchen Hunt's squad amassed 67.0 points on 51 kills, three aces, and 13 blocks, while also generating 46 assists and 86 digs. Brooke Olstad had the quite the performance, finishing with 10 kills, 24 digs, and three block assists. Rylee Forshee continued her early-season success with 20 digs from the back row, while Karin Canakes posted 11 kills and six block assists. Tina Hoppe also composed 11 kills and Hannah Wilhite led the team with 34 assists.
 
Bethel's season continues this weekend when they travel to Stevens Point, Wisconsin for a trio of matches against Carroll University, Concordia University, and UW-Stevens Point. The Royals then welcome Saint Mary's University to the Robertson Center for their conference opener on Wednesday, September 12 at 7 p.m.