ST. PETER, Minn. – The Bethel University volleyball team continued its unbeaten run through MIAC play Saturday afternoon, defeating Gustavus Adolphus College 3-1 at Gus Young Court. The Royals earned their eighth consecutive victory, improving to 5-0 in conference action.
Bethel established control early, taking the opening set 25-20 behind an efficient offensive performance. The Royals recorded 14 kills with just one attack error, hitting .325 while holding Gustavus to a .152 hitting percentage.
The Royals carried that momentum into the second set, using another strong defensive effort to secure a 25-21 victory. Bethel limited Gustavus to a .087 hitting percentage, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the match.
Gustavus responded in the third set, edging Bethel 26-24 to extend the contest.
The fourth set proved to be another tightly contested battle, with both teams fighting to gain control. The Royals recorded 15 kills in the frame and held strong down the stretch, securing a 27-25 victory to close out the match.
Grace Bathurst led the Bethel attack with 13 kills and five blocks, while Peyton Howie added 11 kills and three blocks. Sara Scherber contributed 10 kills to give the Royals three players in double figures.
Chiara Houser anchored the defensive effort at the net with a team-high six blocks as Bethel finished with 13 total blocks compared to Gustavus' 11.
Ellie Van Namen directed the offense with 26 assists and added 11 digs, while Sophia Rubio contributed 15 assists and two service aces.
Hannah Penke led the Royals defensively with 18 digs, followed by Mattie Petersen with 15.
Bethel finished the afternoon with a .207 hitting percentage while holding Gustavus to .151. The Royals also held a 77-70 advantage in digs and a 13-11 edge in blocks, helping overcome Gustavus' 61-55 advantage in kills.
The victory improves Bethel to 18-4 overall and a perfect 5-0 in MIAC play.
Up Next: Bethel returns home Wednesday, Oct. 21, to host Concordia College in MIAC action at the Robertson Center. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m.
