ST. PAUL, Minn. – In the opening night of its 2023 campaign, the Bethel University volleyball team ran into last year's Final Four participant in the University of Northwestern. The Royals (RV) lost in three straight sets to the #5 Eagles by scores of 18-25, 13-25, and 23-25.
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Set
• Northwestern came out swinging hitting .242 in the opening set, while holding Bethel to .091.
• With the Eagles up 13-9, UNW went on a set controlling 10-4 run going up 23-13 before finally winning the set 25-18.
• The Royals had 11 kills compared to the Eagles with 13
Second Set
• Eagles led wire to wire as they went on a 13-5 run to win set two 25-13
• Northwestern stifled Bethel with their defensive presence, holding them to a -.081 hitting percentage
Third Set
• Final set consisted of back and forth play - consisting of three lead changes and seven ties
• The competitive final set also had a 7-2 run from UNW and a 10-5 run from BU
• Kills were even at 12 apiece
• Hitting percentage also proved to be close with the Eagles at .075 and the Royals at .087
KEY PERFORMERS
•
Danielle Friedges - 9 kills, 8 digs
•
Abigail Drury - 7 kills, 3 blocks
WHAT'S NEXT
The Royals continue their opening weekend of games vs Concordia University (Wis.) at Noon and Coe College at 2:00 p.m.
