ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Bethel University volleyball team dropped a three set non-conference match to Wartburg College Tuesday evening inside the Robertson Center. The visiting Knights pulled out a tight first set and didn't look back from there winning by scores of 28-26, 25-21, 25-17.

The Royals dropped to 15-8 on the year and continue their three-match homestand Friday night against St. Olaf for Youth Night. First serve is set for 7 p.m.

Senior Dominique Dabu was all over the court once again with a match-high 21 kills with Allie Fauth coming in right behind her with 13. Maria Claflin was a strong presence at the net with 15 kills, eight of which came in the second, hitting .355 to go along with four blocks. Junior Macie Gavic had a 12 kill effort while Fauth contributed nine. Junior Ellie Hoyt tallied a match-high 22 assists with Hannah Wilhite adding 17.

Bethel used a 7-0 run garnering a 13-7 lead to begin a back and forth first set. Wartburg chipped away getting it to 21-21 before fending off match point only to tie it up again this time at 25-25. A kill for the Knights followed by a Bethel attacking error gave Wartburg the opening set that saw 10 ties and six lead changes.

The second started off in Bethel's favor at 9-2. Wartburg came right back at the Royals pulling within four before rattling off 12 straight points taking a 20-12 lead. Bethel stopped the bleeding with a kill from Gavic which sparked a six point run cutting the deficit to 20-18. Despite hitting .238 in the second set Bethel couldn't overcome the deficit dropping the second set.

It was all Wartburg in the third out hitting Bethel .286 to .116 for the set. The Royals struggled to find their rhythm allowing Wartburg to get out to a 18-10 lead and never looking back.