Blazers Stopped by Royals in First Round

11/08/2007

The College of Saint Benedict volleyball team (8-3 MIAC, 21-11 overall) was defeated by the Bethel Royals in their Central Region match-up this afternoon. Bethel beat CSB 3-0 with game scores of 30-19, 30-28, 30-23. It was a contest of top-ranked teams with the Blazers at No. 24 in the nation and Bethel just one notch up at No. 23. Unfortunately for CSB, the Royals were also one step ahead of them in their NCAA Division III first round match earlier today.

From the beginning of the match, Bethel was able to gain an advantage and build on their momentum. The Royals rallied behind two All-MIAC seniors, outside hitter Liz Glesne and setter Laura Naig, to increase the deficit they had created for the Blazers. With the quick start, Bethel won the first game by 11 points. However, the first game did not foreshadow what lied immediately ahead. The second game exemplified what the fans and players expected out of this match: a true struggle between playoff contenders. Neither team was able to stand with a firm lead as they raced to 30 points. Bethel made it there just ahead of CSB as it edged out the Blazers with a two-point victory. The Royals remained confident through their win in the third game that secured the match victory and a second round appearance in the regional tournament.

The Blazers were led by sophomore outside hitter Emma Jaynes (Hibbing, Minn./Hibbing High School) with 15 digs and 14 kills on a .239 hitting percentage. Sophomore setter Beth Hanson (Fairbault, Minn./Bethlehem Academy) recorded 32 set-assists and 12 digs in the match. Despite the loss, Hanson and the Blazers have reason to be proud. With her performance today, Hanson altered the CSB recordbooks. Her 32 assists this afternoon brought her season total to 1,286 set-assists this season and broke the record for most assists ever recorded by a Blazer in a single-season. The previous record of 1,280 was set by Niki Denne ('90) in 1988, exactly 20 seasons ago. With her double-double today, Hanson also moved into a tie for No. 1 on the all-time list for most career double-doubles. Sharing the No. 1 spot with Hanson is Marie Evjen ('99) with 45 career double-doubles.

The Blazers finished the season with the No. 2 standing in the MIAC, their 12th NCAA appearance and an overall record of 21-11.

[NCAA tournament pictures to be added when available.]

Boxscore | Volleyball | CSB Sports

Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant

Athletic Department
College of Saint Benedict
37 South College Avenue
St. Joseph, MN 56374
320-363-5301
Fax 320-363-6098