WINONA, Minn. - Bethany volleyball lost 3-1 at Saint Mary's on Tuesday in non-conference action, dropping to 3-14 overall.
The Cardinals led from start to finish in the opening set, winning 25-15. The Vikings gained their first advantage of the match early in the second set at 2-1 and again at 7-5, but it was short-lived as the home team went on to win 25-18 for a two game lead.
Bethany gained the early momentum in the third set, going up 4-1, and maintained the lead the rest of the way for a 25-18 win. A 10-2 run midway through sparked the turnaround with Avery Carlson on the serve. That was the Vikings' most efficient moment on the attack with seven kills in that span.
The visitors carried their momentum into the fourth with an early 6-1 lead, but the Cardinals slowly worked their way back and eventually took the advantage at 13-12. Saint Mary's then closed it out at 25-16.
Abby Maloney led the offense with nine kills on 14 attempts with just one error for an efficient .571 attack percentage. Marissa Stamer distributed 15 assists, while Carlson led the defense with 15 digs.
Bethany is back home for UMAC play Friday night against North Central.
