The Bethel University volleyball team battled to a gritty five-set win over St. Scholastica on Wednesday night at the Robertson Center, securing the Youth Night victory by scores of 25–18, 21–25, 25–16, 16–25, 15–11. With the win, the Royals improve to 10–7 overall and 4–1 in MIAC play, while the Saints drop to 11–11 (3–4 MIAC).

Bethel came out strong in the opening set, hitting .286 behind aggressive play at the net from Peyton Howie and Hannah Penke. After St. Scholastica responded to even the match, the Royals regained control in set three, limiting the Saints to a -.063 hitting percentage. Set four saw the Saints rally to force a decisive fifth, but Bethel steadied themselves and closed it out 15–11 with clutch swings and strong blocking.

Howie led the way with a dominant 20 kills and 9 blocks, while Penke added 14 kills and 19 digs for a double-double performance. Sara Scherber was also key at the net with 12 kills, and Eleanor Pelzel added 5 blocks.

Setter Sophia Rubio orchestrated the offense with 50 assists, while also contributing 4 aces from the service line. Defensively, Grace Therrien anchored the backcourt with 20 digs, joined by Penke (19) and Olivia Johnson (12).

As a team, Bethel totaled 58 kills, 11 blocks, and 12 service aces, edging out the Saints in nearly every key category.

The Royals now turn their attention to a big MIAC matchup on Saturday at 7 p.m., when they'll host a talented Gustavus Adolphus squad back at the Robertson Center.