ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Bethel University volleyball team gave its faithful fans a happy Homecoming with a three-set victory over Saint Mary's Saturday evening inside the Robertson Center. The Royals extended its winning streak to nine matches winning tonight by scores of 25-23, 25-15, 25-20 improving to 14-5 on the year and 3-1 in the MIAC. BU begins a three-match road trip on Thursday at Macalester. First serve is set for 7 p.m.

Junior Maria Claflin had another double-digit kill effort with a team-leading 15 kills while hitting .375 for the match. Junior Allie Fauth had her fourth double-digit kill effort of the season with 11, six of which came in the second set. Sophomore Hannah Wilhite picked up 24 assists while junior Ellie Hoyt picked up 16.

The Cardinals kept it close with Bethel in a tight first set that saw four ties and only one lead change which was in Bethel's favor at 3-2. Four straight from the Royals opened the lead to 19-15. A SMU service error got Bethel to 23-19 before a kill by Macie Gavic created set point. The Cardinals rattled off three straight but an attacking error gave the set to Bethel by the narrowest margin.

An 11-3 run by Bethel in the second, set the tone for what would be a dominating set. The Royals hit .485 compared to the Cardinals .214 while 18 of the 25 points came via a kill. In the third Bethel's strong sideout percentage (71%) led them to a 25-20 victory. All over the court was Dominque Dabu and Rylee Forshee picking up digs left and right. Saint Mary's was able to only pick up 12 kills on 38 attacking attempts hitting a mere .079 in the set.