ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — Bethel University volleyball capped off a perfect weekend at the Augustana Invitational, winning all three matches in straight sets to improve their early-season momentum. The Royals defeated host Augustana College, Illinois Tech, and Grinnell College without dropping a set, showcasing efficient offense and strong back-row play throughout the two-day tournament.

📊 Match 1: Bethel def. Augustana (IL), 3-0

Set Scores: 25-19, 25-18, 25-23
Bethel opened the weekend Friday night with a well-rounded performance against the host Vikings.

• Peyton Howie led the Royals with 9 kills, while Hannah Penke added 8.

• Sophia Rubio ran the offense efficiently with 25 assists.

• Cali Johnson delivered 3 service aces.

• Defensively, Penke led the way with 16 digs, while Grace Therrien and Lauren Hetfeld combined for 17.

Bethel hit .187 as a team and outpaced Augustana in kills (34-29), aces (6-2), and digs (53-49).

📊 Match 2: Bethel def. Illinois Tech, 3-0

Set Scores: 25-19, 25-11, 25-17
Bethel was dominant from the start Saturday morning, hitting a scorching .393 in the first set and a blistering .440 in the second.

• The Royals committed just 6 total attack errors across all three sets while notching 34 kills.

• They added 7 service aces and out-dug the Scarlet Hawks 45-35.

• Defensively, they held Illinois Tech to a .030 hitting percentage.

📊 Match 3: Bethel def. Grinnell, 3-0

Set Scores: 25-19, 25-22, 25-17
Bethel closed the weekend with another sweep, this time over Grinnell College on Saturday afternoon. While official statistics were not yet available at the time of release, the Royals took care of business in three controlled sets to finish the invitational unbeaten.

🗓️ Up Next: Doubleheader at UW-Stevens Point

The Royals (now 4-6) are back in action next Saturday (Sept. 20) with a doubleheader at UW-Stevens Point. Bethel will face both Lakeland and UW-Stevens Point as non-conference play continues.