Threshers go 2-2 at Hastings volleyball Classic
Weekend led by two wins and two promising performances against top-25 NAIA squads.
HASTINGS, Neb. — On Friday, the Bethel volleyball team traveled to Hastings, Neb. to take on Culver-Stockton and Dickinson State, which the Threshers beat in three and four sets respectively.
On Saturday, the Threshers took on 18th-ranked (NAIA) College of Saint Mary and 24th-ranked hosts of the tournament, Hastings. Bethel lost both of these matchups in four sets.
“We held our own in both matches, taking a set from each team and keeping the scores extremely close in all sets,” said head coach Adriana Leake. “I thought we played the best we have all year in our last two matches, with still lots of areas for growth, which is what preseason is for. I was happy to see that we keep improving every time we step on the court.”
With only seven games under their belt for this season, the Threshers sit at 3-4 in non-conference play. Bethel’s defense has already seen a change from a season ago — they led every match they played last weekend in blocks.
“We’ve been working to find the right fit for what makes us most successful,” senior Kaitlyn Shima from Topeka said. “Preseason games are meant to find out what works best for us and to help us find our groove. … I’ve enjoyed first-hand seeing the turnaround that Bethel Volleyball has had and I know this year we’ll keep adding to last year's success.
“We are a very talented team with a strong work ethic and I truly believe we can compete with any team across the net.”
The Threshers would acquire yet another KCAC Defender of the Week honor for the second week in a row on Monday. Freshman Darla Crow was named to this honor after her 28-block performance in the Hastings Classic.
Bethel will play 12 more non-conference matches before KCAC play starts.
“We played well against some tough competition, but we all know that our potential as a team is greater,” senior Kylah Carter from Houston, Texas said. “Those losses will be upsets for the other teams soon.”
The Thresher will take on Central Christian and Baker on Wednesday in McPherson with start times set for 5 and 7 p.m. respectively.