SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Bethel University volleyball team dropped its second straight match falling in three sets at Gustavus Adolphus Friday evening. The host Gusties out hit the Royals .315 to .164 taking the conference matchup by scores of 25-22, 25-22, 25-22.

The Royals fall to 14-8 on the year and 5-2 MIAC play. BU returns to the Robertson Center next Tuesday where they host Wartburg in non-conference play opening up a three match homestand.

In what was a quiet night on the attack, Bethel was led by junior Maria Claflin who had 12 kills. The assists were distributed evenly with Ellie Hoyt recording 16 and Hannah Wilhite with 15.

Neither team gained more than a three-point advantage in the opening set that came down to the final points. Tied up at 20-20, Gustavus went on a three point run before Bethel pulled with in one. A kill followed by BU attacking error gave the Gusties the opening set.

The second started out just like the first while the result came out the same at 25-22. In a set that saw 11 ties and 11 lead changes, Bethel didn't find itself on top by more than two points. Once again tied at 20-20 the teams traded points until Gustavus pulled away with three straight all on successful kill attempts.

There was no cooling down the Gusties attack who tallied 20 kills in the final set. Bethel kept the deficit within a reasonable distance until GAC went on a 4-0 run taking a 15-9 lead. BU fought off four match points getting it to 24-22 before a kill by Gustavus' Gemma Robey won the match.