ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – It was a bittersweet return to the Robertson Center for the Bethel University volleyball team sweeping previously unbeaten Saint Benedict by scores of 27-25, 25-16, 25-15.

On one hand it felt good for the Royals to be back on their home court and pick up the win, but on the other hand they sure wish they could have celebrated their first win over CSB at home since 2015 with fans in the stands.

None the less, BU brought the energy led by Kirstin Cotter and Emily Rossing who each put down 11 kills respectively. Hannah Wilhite tallied 23 assists while Ellie Hoyt recorded 21. In the digs column, Rylee Forshee led the way with 18.

The closes set came in the first where there were 17 ties and 11 lead changes and neither team scored more than three straight. Bethel fended off set point forcing an attacking error before it was tied at 25-25. Back-to-back kills by Emily Rossing gave BU the early advantage.

The Royals dominated set two where it hit .349. BU led 13-11 before scoring six of the next seven points. Kills from Cotter and, Rossing and Wilhite down the stretch extended BU's advantage to two sets.

Bethel didn't slow down in the third after knotted up at 5-5, BU opened the flood gates scoring 10 of the next 12 points, seven of which came under the serve of Wilhite. Allie Fauth put down the game winning kills improving the Royals to 3-1 on the year and 2-1 in MIAC play.

Bethel continues its five-match homestand on Tuesday, April 27 hosting St. Olaf at 7 p.m. In accordance with MIAC indoor spectator policy, no spectators will be allowed.