St. Joseph, Minn. -- The No. 22 College of Saint Benedict Volleyball team (13-7, 5-2 MIAC) scored another huge conference victory today, sweeping the Bethel University Royals (14-7, 4-3 MIAC) in three sets (25-20, 25-21, 25-23). The Blazers found different ways to win all three sets: getting up early and holding on, coming from behind and winning a back-and-forth nail-biter to secure the victory.

The Blazers got out to a quick 16-9 lead in the first set, forcing Bethel Head Coach Gretchen Hunt to call a timeout. After the timeout the Blazers held off a Royal surge to win the set 25-20. Key to the set victory were five kills by junior outside hitter Laura Schmitt and three blocks by senior outside hitter Sophie Stangl.

In the second set it was the Royals that controlled the set early, jumping out to a 14-11 lead and forcing Blazer Head Coach Nicole Hess to take a timeout. The Blazers came out of the time out and went on a 14-7 run to close out the 25-21 set victory. Senior outside hitter Lexi Rinde had four kills to lead the comeback.

After the Blazers jumped out to a 4-1 lead, the Royals went on a 5-2 run to close the gap at 6-6. The teams battled through gridlock the rest of the way, with neither team leading by more than three. A host of kills from Rinde and sophomore outside hitter Melissa Koop put the Blazers in position for match point at 24-22 with Megan Koop to serve.

On the ensuing volley, junior outside hitter Mary Franz appeared to win the game with a block. The Blazers were celebrating and getting ready to shake hands when the referee called over-the-net and brought the teams back, giving Bethel another chance. On the next play Schmitt took a pass from senior setter Taya Kockelman and smashed it past the Royal defense, leaving no doubt about the Blazer victory.

Koop, Schmitt and Rinde led the offensive attack for the Blazers, as each finished with ten kills. Stangl lead the way on the defensive end, finishing with a season high five blocks (one solo, four assists).