Duluth, MN.  – The Bethany Lutheran College Vikings Volleyball team lost in the first round of the 2018 UMAC tournament to the College of St. Scholastica Saints 3-0 (13-25, 18-25, 21-25). The loss puts an end to the Viking's season, with a record of 11-18 and a UMAC record of 8-8.
 
The Vikings went down early in the first set, with the Saints going on a 20-10 run to start. The second set seemed much more hopeful, until a 5-0 run gave the Saints a small lead. The Saints ended the set on a 8-0 run. The Vikings season ended on the losing end of a 11-7 run at the beginning of the third set. The Vikings were led by Megan Rutt with 12 kills, Kalli Mathiasen with 22 assists, and Mindy Poehler had 3 blocks.
 
The Vikings regular season ended in triumph this year, winning 5 of their last 7 games and ending the season on a 2 game win streak. They also made the UMAC tournament after missing out on it last year and Head Coach John Olmanson had the most wins in any of the seasons he has coached, gaining 11 victories.  Megan Rutt also achieved her 1,000th carrer kill and Mackenna Hinz achieved her 1,000th career dig.
 
The Vikings season leaders were Megan Rutt with 418 kills, Kalli Mathiasen with 729 assists, Mackenna Hinz with 462 digs, and Mindy Poehler with 65 blocks.
 
The Vikings will only be losing one Senior next year, their dig leader Mackenna Hinz.
 
Bethany will be able to retain most of their stat leaders and key players in Megan Rutt, Mindy Poehler, Haley Domonoske, and Kalli Mathiasen.
 
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MEDIA: If you need further information, please feel free to contact Dan DeWitt at 507-344-7856 or email ddewitt@blc.edu.