LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (BethanySwedes.com) – Bethany College was on the road Saturday, October 12th in Leavenworth to take on the University of St. Mary Spires in a weekend matchup. The Swedes came into the game, 0-4 in KCAC play looking for their first conference win. The Spires were 4-1 in conference play. This match would end in a clean swept for the Spires, leaving Bethany in a 7-game drought.
Set 1: The Swedes were off to a steady start when the Spires were able to string together a couple of points and lead by four at 5-9. Bethany worked to minimized the damage and chip away at the deficient but each time they came within two, St. Mary would push back and extend the lead again. The Swedes found themselves down by five at 15-20 in which they wouldn’t be able to come back from. The Spires took set 1, 18-25.
Set 2: Frustrated with not being able to get their offense going, the Swedes came out with a vengeance. Bethany would create an early lead that the Spires would have to work to come back from. St. Mary would do just that, and came within a couple of points of Bethany when the Swedes went on another run. This trend continued until the set was within the final five points where both teams would fight for each point. Set 2 would end in extra points but unfortunately for the Swedes, the Spires would come out on top, 25-27.
Set 3: Final set of the match, St. Mary would continue to swing fearlessly and force the Swedes into a limited offense. But Bethany wouldn’t back down from the fight. Both teams would fight point for point with small runs and quick sideouts but St. Mary would make a critical run near the end of the set the Swedes weren’t able to contain. The Spires finished set 3, 22-25 for the sweep.
Notable stats from this game include 8 kills by Madison McGuire, 2 blocks by Autry Satica, 22 digs by Michelle Acevedo Ortiz, 2 service aces and 11 assists by Liyah Huynh.
Up next, the Swedes are hosting Haskell Indian Nations University Tuesday, Oct. 15th starting at 5pm and varsity at 7pm in Hahn Gymnasium. Bethany will also be hosting the McPherson College Bulldogs Wednesday, Oct. 16th for their Dig Pink Night at 5 and 7pm.
