ARDEN HILLS, MN - Bethel Royals volleyball took their first home loss on Thursday night against the defending DIII champions UW Eau Claire in four, extremely competitive sets. The Blugolds bested Bethel with scores of 23-25, 25-20, 26-24, 26-24. BU is now 8-5 on the season but they remain second in the MIAC. 

How it Happened

• The match opened with a battle by both teams that had 10 total ties recorded throughout the first set

• Neither team scored more than two straight points until the Blugolds managed to make a 3-0 run

• A kill and block from Emily Rossing broke the late game tie and ended set one

• The Blugolds jumped out with a quick run in set two; forced the Royals to take an early timeout

• Kirstin Cotter led BU on a massive 11-4 run to tie the set 

• Eau Claire took the second set with a 7-2 run, completely negating Bethel's previous streak

• Bethel's defensive efforts gave them a quick three point lead in the third set

• Rossing forced an Eau Claire timeout with back-to-back kills and a block

• The Blugolds had several small runs that forced a win-by-two scenario allowed them to take set three

• A 4-0 run by Eau Claire set them in the lead for the entire set

• The Blugolds unwisely played an out ball, allowing BU to start a comeback

• Two serving aces by Eau Claire ended the match

Key Performers

• Kirstin Cotter - 19 kills, 7 digs

• Dani Friedges - season high 13 kills, 12 digs

• Hannah Wilhite - 48 assists

What's Next

Bethel University will stay at home to play MIAC rival St. Ben's on Wednesday Sept. 28 at 7 p.m.