ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Bethel University volleyball team bounced back after dropping the opening set Wednesday night, winning the next three to defeat Augsburg University 3-1 and remain unbeaten in MIAC play.
Augsburg grabbed the early advantage with a 25-23 win in a tightly contested first set. Bethel responded in the second, battling its way to a 25-23 victory to even the match at one set apiece.
The Royals took control from there.
Bethel delivered its most decisive set of the night in the third, hitting .381 while holding Augsburg without a positive hitting percentage. The Royals rolled to a 25-14 victory to take a 2-1 lead in the match.
Bethel continued its efficient attack in the fourth set, recording 20 kills and hitting .385. The Royals closed out the match with a 25-22 victory to secure their seventh consecutive win.
Grace Bathurst led the Bethel attack with a match-high 18 kills while adding six blocks. Peyton Howie finished with 12 kills and an ace, while Sara Scherber added 10 kills and three blocks.
Ellie Van Namen directed the offense with 35 assists, while Grace Therrien led the defensive effort with 17 digs. Hannah Penke added 12 digs and provided a spark from the service line with four of Bethel's five aces.
The Royals finished with 53 kills compared to Augsburg's 43 and outhit the Auggies .262 to .103. Bethel also held a 50-39 advantage in digs and a 44-36 edge in assists, while both teams recorded eight blocks.
After hitting .152 in the opening set, Bethel improved throughout the night, hitting .162 in the second before posting marks of .381 and .385 in the final two sets.
The victory improves Bethel to 17-4 overall and a perfect 4-0 in MIAC play.
Up Next: Bethel continues MIAC play Saturday, Oct. 17, traveling to Gustavus Adolphus College for a 2 p.m. start.
