Bethel volleyball finishes non-conference play 12-5 with win over Haskell

The Threshers beat Haskell in straight sets as they look to start KCAC play this week

LAWRENCE, Kan. — The Bethel volleyball team defeated Haskell Indian Nations this weekend 3-0, in what was the Threshers last match before KCAC play begins this week. 

Thresher volleyball huddles before an earlier in the season match up — Photo by Ava Broxterman

The Bethel volleyball team is feeling good after finishing the preseason with another win, bringing their non-conference record to 12-5. 

“It felt really good to get another good, clean win,” said head coach Adriana Leake. “It was the exclamation point on a solid preseason… Looking back at preseason now, we only lost one single set to an unranked or not receiving votes team, which is a testament to this team's ability to play consistently at a high level.”

Bethel’s senior setter, Mia Roman echoed this sentiment from coach Leake when asked about their preseason:

“The team did a great job of staying in system,” said Roman, from Kansas City. “Our serve receive and defense was great which helped our hitters produce a lot of kills. This preseason has prepared us to play at our level no matter where we are playing or who is on the other side.”

Roman led the Threshers against Haskell with 30 assists in the match. The top hitters for the Threshers were Cameron Offerle with 11 kills, Kylah Carter with nine, and Darla Crow with eight. Offerle and Crow also had three blocks apiece for the Threshers. Abby Koontz added 12 digs and three service aces for Bethel. 

As Roman said, the serving was a high point for the Threshers, as they had six aces, and Haskell had zero, thanks to Bethel’s staunch defense. This is something that according to coach Leake, has been a focus so far for the Threshers this year. 

One of the Threshers senior defensive leaders, Brooke Russell is happy with how the team played this weekend, but know that there are bigger goals ahead for the veteran Threshers. 

“Our goal in every game is to play our game and keep our level of play to our standards,” said Russell, from Little Elm, Tex. “Nothing changes going into Wednesday's game versus Bethany. We are still focusing on playing a clean game and getting the job done to get our first conference game win.” 

The Threshers take on Bethany in Lindsborg in their first KCAC matchup of the season on Wednesday at 7 p.m.