RIPON, Wis.—The Bethany Lutheran volleyball team opened the season 1-0 in its 3-2 victory over host-Ripon Friday night. The Vikings claimed the first set, 27-25, before the Red Hawks claimed the next two, 25-22 and 25-21. BLC won the fourth set 25-21 to force a fifth frame. The Vikings jumped to an 8-3 lead to open the final set.

Senior Mindy Poehler (Nicollet, Minn.) led the team with 15 kills, just one shy of her career high. Classmate Megan Rutt (Le Center) joined her in double figures with 12 kills.

Senior Veeva Lee (St. Paul, Minn.) had a career-high 29 digs and led the team with four service aces.  Junior Brittany Sanders (St. James, Minn.) recorded a career-best 26 assists and classmate Kalli Mathiasen (St. Cloud, Minn.) had 16 as they co-ran the Vikings offense.

As a team, BLC held the advantages in hitting percentage, kills, assists, service aces, and blocks.

The Vikings conclude competition at this tournament tomorrow morning against Dominican (Ill.) and Finlandia.