Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 MINNEAPOLIS - The Bethany volleyball squad began play Friday at the two-day Augsburg Volleyball Invitational and are facing some stiff competition. Of the eight teams in the field, two are nationally ranked and two more received votes.

The Vikings played two of those teams on day one in Wis.-Eau Claire and No. 9 St. Thomas. Bethany played tough, but dropped both matches 3-0.

Against Wis.-Eau Claire, the Vikings kept the first two sets tight, but the Blugolds pulled away late and then won the third set convincingly to take the match 25-18, 25-17, 25-11. Katie Krieger and Amanna Berthusen each had six kills while Jessi Jurries had nine digs and Brooke Hagen compiled 17 assists.

In the second match, the Tommies topped Bethany 25-16, 25-10, 25-16. Emily Franzen recorded 20 set assists and Jurries added 14 digs. Caitlin Decker led with seven kills.

Play continues Saturday with a match against Gustavus Adolphus at 10 a.m. followed by a tilt with Wis.-La Crosse at 2 p.m.