ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – September 26, 2025 — In a high-energy MIAC opener at the Robertson Center, Bethel University women's volleyball went toe-to-toe with St. Olaf in a competitive four-set battle, ultimately falling 3-1 (20-25, 25-15, 23-25, 21-25). The Royals (6-7, 0-1 MIAC) showed plenty of grit and potential against the Oles (10-6, 2-0 MIAC), who entered the night fresh off a major upset of No. 1 UW-Whitewater.

Hannah Penke led the Royals with a match-best 22 kills, while Sara Scherber (14) and Peyton Howie (12) added firepower to a well-balanced offense. Setter Sophia Rubio kept the attack flowing with 49 assists and added 14 digs on the defensive end.

Bethel responded to a close first-set loss with a dominant second set, hitting .419 as a team en route to a 25-15 win. Though the final two sets slipped away by narrow margins, the Royals remained in striking distance throughout, matching St. Olaf nearly kill-for-kill (59 to 60) and outpacing them in service aces (10 to 5).

Defensively, Grace Therrien anchored the back row with 16 digs, and Lauren Hetfeld contributed 13 digs and 3 aces. Despite the loss, the Royals' competitive edge and energy in front of a lively home crowd of 227 show that this team is ready to contend in conference play.

Up Next: Bethel is back at home next Wednesday at 7 p.m. as they host Carleton in another MIAC matchup at the Robertson Center.