ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Bethel University volleyball team continued its impressive run through MIAC play Wednesday evening, sweeping Concordia College in straight sets (25-17, 25-19, 25-17) at the Robertson Center to remain undefeated in conference action.
The Royals established control early, taking the opening set 25-17 behind an efficient offensive attack. Bethel recorded 11 kills while holding Concordia to a .094 hitting percentage to gain a 1-0 advantage in the match.
Bethel carried that momentum into the second set, delivering its strongest offensive performance of the night. The Royals recorded 18 kills and hit .353, pulling away for a 25-19 victory to take a commanding two-set lead.
The Royals maintained their offensive rhythm in the third, recording 13 kills while hitting .243. Bethel closed out the match with another 25-17 victory to secure its ninth consecutive win.
Grace Bathurst led the Royals offensively with a match-high 14 kills while adding three blocks. Peyton Howie and Sara Scherber each contributed eight kills, helping Bethel finish with 42 total kills compared to Concordia's 31.
Ellie Van Namen directed the offense with 21 assists, while Sophia Rubio added 16 assists and two service aces.
Bethel also made an impact from the service line, finishing with nine aces compared to just two for the Cobbers. Mattie Petersen, Grace Therrien and Rubio each recorded two aces to lead the Royals.
Defensively, Therrien led Bethel with 12 digs, followed by Hannah Penke with nine. Bathurst added a team-high three blocks, while Chiara Houser and Cosette Carto each contributed two.
The Royals finished the evening hitting .265 while holding Concordia to .122. Bethel also held advantages in kills (42-31), assists (42-27) and digs (39-31).
The victory improves Bethel to 19-4 overall and a perfect 6-0 in MIAC play.
Up Next: Bethel remains at home Friday, Oct. 23, hosting Hamline University in MIAC action at the Robertson Center. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.
