Tanner Hoops | Staff Writer

On Tuesday, September 8, for the first time this season, the Buena Vista University volleyball team played in front of a home crowd where the Beavers treated their fans to a straight set rout of Bethany Lutheran College 25-10, 25-15, 25-16.

“Our upperclassmen really did an outstanding job of keeping the tempo on our side, where we wanted it to be,” fourth-year Head Coach Lori Slight said. “The new players to our roster did amazing things for playing for the first time here at home.”

Junior Maddie Bardole led the way with 11 kills, while sophomores Emily Mathews and Jade Schaap added nine and eight kills respectively. Freshman Brooke Runneberg totaled a career-high five kills, all coming in a single set. Newcomers Nevada Meis and Victoria Leffler each had four blocks while Mathews racked up three more. Sophomore Laura Berry totaled 17 assists, while Kix McArthur followed closely behind with 15. The Beavers hit .341% on the night while tallying 40 kills and 31 digs.

“I thought that as a team we did a very good job of executing and staying focused,” Mathews said. “Every person did their job on the court and did it well.”

The win moves the Beavers to 3-2 on the season. The Beavers travel to St. Louis on Friday, September 11, to take on Fontbonne to open the Washington University Tournament. The Beavers will go up against Cornell, Carthage and Elmhurst over the weekend as well.

Photo courtesy of Charlie Webster