ST. PETER, Minn. – In a top-25 battle with the MIAC's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament on the line, the No. 19th ranked Bethel University volleyball gave the top-seeded Gustavus Adolphus everything they had. The Royals dropped Saturday's championship match in four sets by scores of 25-15, 25-27, 21-25, 18-25.
 
Named to the All-Tournament team was Hannah Wilhite who finished the night with 35 assists, while joining her on the team was also Kelsie Sealock who had 27 digs on the night.
 
Bethel hit .210 for the night led by Kristin Cotter with 19 kills while Danielle Friedges also reached double digit figures with 12. Abbigail Drury and Emily Rossing each added three blocks.
 
It was tight most of the way in the opening set until a five-point Bethel run gave the Royals a 19-13 advantage. Kills from Friedges and Cotter kept the momentum going as BU scored the sets final two points taking the opener.
 
The second played as close as it could the entire way. A five point run for the Royals put them ahead 11-7 before the Gusties took the lead back with a four point run of their own. Trailing 22-18, Bethel rallied its way back into it fending off set point evening it at 25. A pair of kills for GAC evened the match at a set a piece.
 
A 7-3 opening run for the host Gusties paced way for them in the third where they hit .267. The Royals themselves hit .322 with a minimal two attacking errors but were never able to get the break it needed never scoinr more than two in a row.
 
Gustavus claimed the MIAC Playoff title in the fourth limiting Bethel to 13 kills and hitting .191 while GAC hit .262 for the set.
 
 
The Royals learn their fate of receiving an at-large bid into the NCAA Volleyball Division III Championships Monday during the selection show at 11:30 a.m. central time. Fans can view the selection show at NCAA.com by clicking here.