WAVERLY, Iowa-- Nonconference opponent, Bethel University (14-3 overall) avenged its early season loss to Wartburg (7-8) Tuesday as the visitors came away victorious, 3-1.



The Royals claimed the first set, 25-16, before the Knights won the second frame, 26-24. Bethel won the last two to seal the win, 25-16, 25-13.

Senior Lizzy Blough (Dike) led the team with 11 kills and had a double-double with 10 digs. Classmate Mallary Erbes (Urbandale) joined her with a double-double with 23 assists and 14 digs, and added a team-high three service aces.

Junior Hanna Halverson (Gilbertville) had 13 digs.

The Royals jumped ahead 11-5 in the first set, and won on a four-point run at the end of the frame. In the second set, the Orange and Black battled back to even the score at 16 all. Bethel took the lead at 22-18, but Wartburg did not give up as it tied it again at 24 all. The Knights won that set on a Royal attack error and a service ace by Blough.

In the third set, Bethel took the 11-8 lead and never looked back. In the final set, the Royals had to rally to take the lead and won on an eight-point run.

The Orange and Black return to competition this Saturday at Nebraska Wesleyan.