MORRIS, Minn. - Bethany volleyball took down UM-Morris in four sets Saturday afternoon, completing the series sweep over the Cougars for the first time since 2008. The Vikings improve to 15-9 overall and 7-3 in the UMAC, reaching the 15-win mark for the first time since 2007.Â
The first two sets were seesaw battles with the Vikings coming out on top 25-23 in each frame. There were 12 tie scores in the first and Bethany broke the final tie at 23-23 after consecutive Cougar errors.Â
Bethany jumped out to an 8-2 lead in the second before Morris climbed back for a 16-14 advantage. The Vikings scored five straight points to go up 22-18 and never relinquished the lead.Â
Morris cut the deficit in half with a decisive 25-14 victory in the third and rolled its momentum into the fourth with an early 7-2 lead. The Vikings responded with a 13-3 run and went on to clinch the match at 25-19.Â
Lilly Mehrkens led the offense with 12 kills. Abby Distad recorded 35 assists and dug out eight attacks. Kylie Smidt led the back line with 22 digs, while Mel Raasch added 17.Â
Bethany travels to St. Olaf on Wednesday night for its final non-conference match of the season.Â
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