MANKATO, Minn. - One season removed from its first 14-win season in over 15 years, the Bethany volleyball team begins its 2025 campaign Friday evening at the Central/Grinnell Tournament. Boasting 18 returners from last season, third-year head coach Laura Evans is excited about the makeup of this year's squad.
 
"We have a lot more returners than newcomers which is different from last year, so we've been able to carry over the culture," said Evans. "Our newcomers, freshmen and transfers, have fit in well. It's been fun and we're all moving in the same direction."
 
Senior middle blocker Maddie Meyer is the top returner after earning First Team All-Conference honors last season. She posted a .302 attack percentage with 252 kills and 59 blocks. 
 
"Maddie Meyer has been a captain for three years and she's done a great job over the summer and offseason of getting everybody together and connecting everyone, which has been key," said Evans. "It's been great to see the excitement that everybody brings into the gym with each other. We've been able to play four teams at a time in practice and that gives us a lot of good experience."
 
Other top returning players include sophomore setter Abby Distad and sophomore outside hitter Lilly Mehrkens, who both earned All-Conference honorable mention last year. Distad averaged 8.38 assists per set with 216 digs, while Mehrkens tallied 303 kills (2.94 per set). Senior opposite side Lexiss Trygg is another notable returner after leading the team last season with 65 blocks. She also had 202 kills.
 
This season's team is composed of six seniors, three juniors, 13 sophomores, and seven first-years.
 
"We want to keep moving forward together as one," said Evans. "We know there will be ups and downs throughout the season, and we want to keep learning as we go. We need to prepare for the unexpected and be ready to keep moving forward."
 
The Vikings, who finished fifth in the UMAC last season, were voted fourth in the UMAC preseason coaches poll. Including this weekend's tournament in Iowa, the Vikings have 13 non-conference matches before beginning conference play Sept. 23 at Martin Luther. The home opener is Sept. 5 vs. Concordia.