WINONA, Minn. — The Bethel University volleyball team battled through five intense sets on Saturday night but came up just short in a 3–2 (25–22, 19–25, 26–24, 14–25, 17–15) road loss to Saint Mary's University.

The Royals (13–9, 6–3 MIAC) traded momentum with the Cardinals all evening in what proved to be one of their most competitive matches of the season. After falling in the opening set, Bethel regrouped to take the second behind efficient hitting and a strong defensive stand. The two teams went point-for-point through a tense third set before Saint Mary's eked out a narrow 26–24 win. Bethel responded impressively once again, dominating the fourth set with a .517 hitting percentage to force a decisive fifth.

In the final frame, the Royals erased multiple deficits and held off two match points, but the Cardinals managed to edge out the 17–15 win in front of an energetic Winona crowd.

Peyton Howie led Bethel's offense with 20 kills on a stellar .410 hitting percentage while adding four total blocks and three digs. Hannah Penke delivered another standout all-around performance, recording 16 kills, a team-high 23 digs, and three aces. Eleanor Pelzel added 11 kills and a pair of blocks, while setter Sophia Rubio distributed 49 assists to go with six kills and 10 digs.

At the service line, Grace Therrien sparked Bethel's scoring runs with five aces and 16 digs, while Lauren Hetfeld chipped in two aces and 10 digs. Chiara Houser hit an impressive .400 with four kills in limited attempts, and Sara Scherber contributed seven kills and steady defensive play at the net.

The Royals will look to regroup quickly as they continue MIAC play on the road Wednesday at Saint Benedict, with first serve set for 7 p.m. The matchup will mark Bethel's final regular-season road contest before returning home for Senior Night to close out the conference slate.