SUPERIOR, Wis. - Bethany volleyball's eight-match winning streak came to an end Friday night at UW-Superior with a heartbreaking loss in five sets. The Vikings drop to 11-6 overall and 3-1 in the UMAC.
Bethany had a quick start to the match, winning the first three points and never trailed in the opening frame. The Vikings grew their lead to as much as nine at 18-9, forcing a Yellowjacket timeout. After the break, the home team shrunk the deficit to four with a 6-1 run, but the Vikings finished the set with the final four points for a 25-16 decision.
Superior gained its first lead of the night with the opening point of the second, but the Vikings took the lead at 6-5 and never trailed the rest of the way. Bethany scored seven straight points midway through and went on to win decisively at 25-14.
The Jackets got their footing in the third, jumping out to a 10-3 lead. Trailing 13-6, the Vikings went on a 7-0 run to tie the set at 13 and then eventually took the lead at 15-14. The visitors did not relinquish the lead until Superior went ahead 19-18, which started a string of seven consecutive points to win the set 25-18.
Superior rolled its momentum into the fourth by winning the first six points. The home team gained a lead of 10 points six times and tied the match at two sets apiece with a 25-14 win.
The deciding fifth set started with six ties but after the Vikings took an 8-7 lead and the teams switched ends, the Yellowjackets closed out the match on a 8-2 run.
Bethany out-hit Superior .150-.137 on the attack, led by Lilly Mehrkens with 22 kills. Abby Distad had 42 assists while five players reached double-figure digs. Avery Carlson and Kylie Smidt led the way with 19 digs apiece.
The Vikings look to get back on track Tuesday night at home with a non-conference match against Hamline.
