ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Bethel University volleyball team celebrated Senior Night and Alumni Reunion Day in dominant fashion Saturday evening, sweeping Saint Mary's University 3-0 (25-18, 25-11, 25-15) at the Robertson Center.

The Royals delivered an impressive offensive performance, hitting .327 as a team while holding the Cardinals to a .028 hitting percentage. Bethel recorded 39 kills with just six attacking errors, securing its 13th consecutive victory.

Prior to the match, Bethel recognized four seniors for their contributions to the program: Ellie Van Namen, Mattie Petersen, Peyton Howie and Chiara Houser. The Royals celebrated the occasion with a commanding performance in front of 377 fans.

Bethel established control early in the opening set, recording 12 kills with just one attacking error for a .355 hitting percentage. The Royals limited Saint Mary's to a .050 hitting percentage, earning a 25-18 victory to take a 1-0 match lead.

The Royals continued their momentum into the second set, holding the Cardinals to just six kills and a negative .033 hitting percentage. Bethel recorded 11 kills while hitting .229, cruising to a 25-11 victory to move within one set of the sweep.

Bethel saved its strongest offensive performance for the third set, recording 16 kills with just two attacking errors for an impressive .400 hitting percentage. The Royals closed out the match with a 25-15 victory, completing the straight-set win.

Sara Scherber led the Royals offensively with a match-high 17 kills on 24 attempts, committing just two attacking errors for a remarkable .625 hitting percentage.

Senior Peyton Howie added nine kills without an attacking error, hitting .600 on 15 attempts, while Hannah Penke contributed six kills and a .294 hitting percentage.

Senior Ellie Van Namen directed the offense with 19 assists and three service aces, while Sophia Rubio added 10 assists. Grace Therrien contributed five assists and two aces.

Defensively, Therrien led the Royals with 14 digs, followed by senior Mattie Petersen and Van Namen with eight apiece. Penke added seven digs, while senior Chiara Houser contributed two kills and four block assists.

Bethel finished with 39 kills compared to Saint Mary's 25, while holding advantages in assists (36-19), digs (44-40) and total team blocks (7-1).

The victory marked Bethel's 13th consecutive win as the Royals continued their strong finish to the regular season.

Up Next: Bethel returns to the Robertson Center on Wednesday, Nov. 4, hosting the College of Saint Benedict in MIAC action. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.