Salina, Kan. — October 23, 2024

The Bethel College volleyball team fought through a five-set thriller to defeat Kansas Wesleyan 3-2 (25-18, 26-28, 25-17, 25-23, 15-13). 

Set 1: Bethel Dominates Early (25-18)

Bethel opened the match with a commanding performance, winning the first set 25-18. Darla Crow led the Threshers with 6 kills in the set, and the team hit an impressive .250, controlling the tempo from the start. Strong defense from Jordan Boone also contributed, with 2 blocks.

Set 2: Extra Points Battle (26-28)

Kansas Wesleyan bounced back in the second set, defeating Bethel 25-21. Despite 5 kills from Cameron Offerle and strong setting from Mia Roman, who notched 10 assists, the Threshers committed several errors that allowed Kansas Wesleyan to take control of the set and level the match.

Set 3: Bethel Takes Back Control (25-17)

The Threshers responded with a dominant performance in the third set, winning 25-17. Bethel's offense came alive, with Offerle and Crow each contributing 4 kills. The Threshers hit .280 as a team, while Boone's blocking and Roman's assists kept Kansas Wesleyan from gaining any momentum.

Set 4: Narrow Defeat (23-25)

The fourth set was another close contest, but Kansas Wesleyan managed to pull off a 25-23 win. Bethel's Laci Ownbey stepped up with 4 kills, while Mia Roman contributed 11 assists. However, Bethel's 7 attack errors kept them from closing out the match.

Set 5: Bethel Seals the Match (15-13)

In the decisive fifth set, Bethel held their nerve to win 15-13. Crow and Carter combined for 7 kills, and the Threshers hit .238 to secure the victory. Boone's blocking played a pivotal role in the final points, as Bethel emerged victorious after a grueling match.

With this win, Bethel continues their push in KCAC play, and will travel to Leavenworth on Saturday to take on Saint Mary in another big conference matchup