NORTHFIELD, Minn. – Extending its winning streak to eight matches, the Bethel University volleyball team defeated Carleton College 3-0 Tuesday evening inside West Gym. A strong start led the Royals to win in straight sets by scores of 25-16, 25-23, 25-14. Improving to 13-5 on the season and 2-1 in MIAC play the Royals host Saint Mary's College Saturday at 5 p.m. for homecoming.

Junior Maria Claflin led the way at the net hitting a season-best .611 with 12 kills on 18 attacking attempts and one error. Junior Macie Gavic and Allie Fauth along with freshman Kelsie Sealock all contributed nine kills each. Fauth added a match-high 16 digs while sophomore Hannah Wilhite tallied 22 assists and junior Ellie Hoyt registered 16 assists.

Bethel's early discipline allowed them to open the match on a 12-7 run and forcing an out of sync Carleton team to call timeout. The Knights eventually got out of a BU rotation that fed off the strong serve of Claflin. Bethel kept right on their game at the net where they hit .351 with 18 kills in the opening set.

The Knights settled in playing the Royals close to start the second until BU scored six straight taking a 13-7 lead. Bethel continued to set Claflin and Fauth with successful attacking attempts opening the lead up to seven. The Knights rallied fending off there set points pulling within one. A kill by Gavic closing out the second gave BU the set by the narrowest margin.

BU opened the third on an 8-0 run and never looked back. Bethel led by as many as 12 before a service ace by Hoyt followed by kills from Calflin and Sealock sealed the victory.