ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Bethel University volleyball team extended its winning streak to 12 matches Tuesday evening, defeating Wartburg College 3-1 (25-13, 25-21, 19-25, 25-18) in non-conference action at the Robertson Center.
The victory improved Bethel to 22-4 overall as the Royals continued their impressive stretch of play heading into the final week of the regular season.
Bethel opened the match with a commanding first-set performance, holding Wartburg to a negative .019 hitting percentage. The Royals capitalized on 10 attacking errors by the Knights to secure a 25-13 victory and take an early advantage.
The second set proved more competitive, but Bethel maintained its composure to earn a 25-21 win and move within one set of securing the match.
Wartburg responded in the third, recording 14 kills while hitting .270 to claim a 25-19 victory and extend the contest.
The Royals answered in the fourth set with their strongest offensive performance of the evening. Bethel recorded 16 kills and hit .220, pulling away for a 25-18 victory to close out the match.
Grace Bathurst led the Royals offensively with a match-high 16 kills, hitting .267 while adding five total blocks and finishing with 21 points. Hannah Penke contributed a double-double with 11 kills and 19 digs, hitting .235 while adding three service aces.
Cosette Carto added eight kills, while Sara Scherber contributed six and Ella Brennan chipped in five.
Ellie Van Namen directed the offense with 31 assists, three service aces and 10 digs, recording a double-double of her own. Sophia Rubio added 10 assists and seven digs.
Bethel's serving proved to be a difference-maker throughout the evening. Grace Therrien led the Royals with four aces, while Van Namen and Penke each recorded three as Bethel finished with 12 service aces compared to Wartburg's five.
Defensively, Therrien anchored the back row with a match-high 24 digs, followed by Penke with 19 and Van Namen with 10. Mattie Petersen contributed eight digs, while Rubio added seven.
The Royals finished with 47 kills and a .152 hitting percentage, holding Wartburg to 42 kills and a .088 hitting percentage. Bethel also held advantages in assists (45-39) and digs (79-72).
The victory moves Bethel to 22-4 overall while maintaining its perfect 8-0 record in MIAC play.
Up Next: Bethel returns to the Robertson Center on Saturday, Oct. 31, for a 5 p.m. match-up as the Royals celebrate Alumni Reunion Day and Senior Night, welcoming former players back to campus while recognizing the program's seniors.
