PELLA, Iowa - The Bethany volleyball team wrapped up competition Saturday at the Central/Grinnell Invitational, losing 3-0 to Simpson before a 3-1 loss to host Central. The Vikings are now 0-3 to start the season. 

"We stayed in it each set and even though we ended the weekend 0-3, there was lots of growth throughout the team," said Head Coach Laura Evans. "The teams we played were tough and we stuck together even though we didn't win on the scoreboard. Proud of our team!"

Bethany 0, Simpson 3

Simpson earned the first point of the opening set and never trailed, winning the first frame 25-16. The Vikings were limited to a .05 attack percentage while the Storm hit at .348. 

The Storm started the second set with a 4-1 lead but the Vikings fired back with five straight points to take their first lead at 6-4 with Kylie Smidt serving up four consecutive aces. Bethany built its lead to as much as 19-16 after a 7-2 run midway through the set, but the Storm responded with 9-3 run to win the second 25-22. 

Bethany held the early lead in the third at 4-3 until Simpson 4-1 run to gain a 7-5 advantage. The Vikings came back and led 13-11, but the Storm finished strong for a 25-17 match-clinching decision. 

Simpson out-hit the Vikings .320 to .128. Lilly Mehrkens led the attack with eight kills. Abby Distad distributed 17 assists. Smidt and Sydney Carlson led the back line with six digs apiece. 

Bethany 1, Central 3

The Vikings fought back form an early 8-3 deficit in the first set, eventually tying the score at 10-10 and then rattling off five straight points with Mehrkens on the serve. Bethany held set point twice at 24-23 and 25-24, but the Dutch won the set with three straight points at the end for a 27-25 decision. 

Central claimed the first point of the second and never trailed. The Vikings tied the score once at 8-8, but the Dutch won 25-20. 

Bethany won its first set of the season in the third 25-18. A 10-1 run midway through the set created enough separation to hold on for the win. Central was able to respond in the fourth for a convincing 25-15 match-clinching win. 

Attacking was nearly even as the Vikings hit at .191 and the Dutch at .214. Mehrkens tallied a season-high 13 kills and posted the double-double with 15 digs. Smidt led the receive game with 16 digs. Distad posted a season-high 42 assists along with eight digs and three aces. 

Bethany travels to Augsburg next Wednesday night for more non-conference action. 
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