NORTHFIELD, Minn. – The Bethel University volleyball team continued its unbeaten start to MIAC play Wednesday night, taking down Carleton College in four sets inside West Gym.
The Royals earned the 25-13, 22-25, 25-20, 25-13 victory to improve to 16-4 overall and 3-0 in conference play.
Bethel came out strong in the opening set, putting down 14 kills and hitting .303 while holding Carleton to a .088 clip. The Royals created separation early and rolled to a 25-13 victory.
Carleton responded in the second, using 18 kills and a .222 hitting percentage to even the match with a 25-22 win.
The Royals answered with their most efficient offensive set of the night in the third. Bethel committed just one attack error on 28 attempts, hitting .464 with 14 kills to take the frame, 25-20, and regain control of the match.
Bethel carried that momentum into the fourth and closed the night in convincing fashion. The Royals did not commit an attack error in the final set, hitting .409 while holding Carleton to a .054 clip in another 25-13 victory.
Grace Bathurst led the Bethel attack with 13 kills, while Sara Scherber added 12 and Peyton Howie finished with nine. The Royals hit .303 as a team with 51 kills and just 11 attack errors.
Howie contributed across the board, adding four service aces and a team-high five blocks. Bathurst recorded four blocks, while Scherber added three as Bethel held a 10-3 advantage at the net.
Sophia Rubio directed the offense with 39 assists while adding 13 digs. Grace Therrien led the defensive effort with 24 digs, while Hannah Penke added 15 as the Royals finished with an 84-65 advantage in digs.
Bethel also held an 11-5 advantage in service aces, helping the Royals secure their sixth consecutive victory and remain perfect through three MIAC matches.
The win moves Bethel to 16-4 overall and 3-0 in conference play.
Up Next: Bethel returns home Wednesday to host Augsburg University in MIAC action. First serve is scheduled for 7 p.m.
