Newton, Kan.- The University of Saint Mary Volleyball team took on Bethel College today, resulting in a three-set loss (14-25, 24-26, 19-25). The Spires are now 14-12 and 3-4 in conference play heading into a matchup with Friends University on Saturday.

Bethel got out to an early 11-0 lead in set one as Saint Mary struggled to find their rhythm on offense. Michelle Dvorak and Rylee Kenitzer brought the Spires back with their kills, but the early deficit Saint Mary inherited was too great to overcome. Bethel went on to win set one comfortably by a score of 25-14.

Saint Mary quickly regrouped and came out ready to play in set two as Ainsley Gardner and Devyn Ford helped give the Spires an early lead with kills. Bethel kept up with the offensive pressure as they came back to tie the setup at 14. The Thresher's high offensive output could not be matched by Saint Mary, forcing them to call a time-out. Ford, Jordan Knipp, and Haydan Heuermann refused to let Bethel run away with the win as they contributed for crucial points to keep the set alive. Both teams gave up points due to errors in the later part of the set until Bethel eventually won, with the final score being 26-24.

The third set started much like the second, going back and forth. Kills by Ford and Kenitzer kept the Spires in the mix, but Bethel began to pull away midway through the set. Ivory Howat and Renata Dominguez gave Saint Mary hope with kills of their own, but it was not enough as the Threshers took set three, 25-19.

Up Next

The Spires will be on the road to play against Friends University at 2 p.m. on Saturday in Wichita, Kansas.