GRINNELL, Iowa - The Bethany volleyball team opened its season Friday at Grinnell, losing in straight sets.
After starting the opening frame down 4-1, a kill by Lilly Mehrkens ignited an 8-0 run with Kylie Smidt on the serve, who earned three aces in the scoring spree. Midway through the set, the Vikings went on another run, this time scoring seven of eight rallies for an 18-9 advantage. But Grinnell fought back and made it a one-point game at 20-19. BLC held set-point twice, but Grinnell answered with three straight points to close it out 27-25.
The second set went back and forth from the beginning with four ties, resulting in an 11-11 score, but the Pioneers gained separation with three straight and held on for a 25-19 decision. The home squad rolled its momentum into the third with an early 5-1 lead and never trailed, ending at 25-20.
Sydney Carlson led the Viking attack with 11 kills and a .389 attack rate. Maddie Meyer was next with eight kills. Abby Distad set up the offense with 25 assists. The Vikings hit .272 compared to .324 by the Pioneers. The visitors also out-blocked the home team 6-1 with Meyer accounting for two solo stops.
"We put up a good fight each set but they pulled ahead in the serve and pass game," said Head Coach Laura Evans. "Our blocking was an area of strength."
Bethany continues play at the Central/Grinnell tournament at 11 a.m. tomorrow against Simpson and then faces Central at 1 p.m.
