Sarah Hawbaker
Lindsborg News Record

The Bethany College volleyball Swedes started off their season Aug. 28 with a loss to Manhattan Christian College.

The Swedes lost the first two games 22-25 and 15-25 before winning game three 25-17. MCC came back to win the fourth game 25-20 to take the match.

Bethany's Blake Hosey, senior, Centennial, Colo., chalked up seven kills while sophomore Lacie Shoemaker, Munden, Kan. and Alexa Gerber, sophomore, Walsh, Colo., had six apiece.

Senior Shelby Brown, Burwell, Neb. had 16 digs while senior Ashley Burch, Stasburg, Colo., tallied 10.

On Sept. 5 the Swedes hosted Southwestern College a captured a 3-0 win.

Head Coach Nathalea Stephenson said it was a good win for the Swedes.

"It seemed like all the things we have been working on were coming together," She said. She added that the team's passing was improved, which means the setters were getting the ball and able to put it into the hitter's hands.

The Swedes then travelled to Avila College in Kansas City for a tournament Sept. 7 and 8.

The team first faced AIB College of Business, winning in three. Next Bethany played Benedictine University, losing in three.

On Sept. 8 the team first faced Oklahoma Wesleyan University, another three-game loss. Bethany's final game of the tournament was a 0-3 loss to tournament host Avila College.

Stephenson said the team's passing broke down throughout the tournament and the hitters were having a hard time placing the ball.

"All the teams that we played were good teams and this will definitely help us as we prepare for games this week," Stephenson added.

Stephenson said the women are getting their timing down while learning to trust their teammates.

"The girls are working really hard and have a great chemistry," Stephenson said. "There is a different attitude and you can see that on the court."

Stephenson added that with only three returners from last year's team, "there is a learning curve you have to work with and these young ladies are committed to doing that.

"They are positive and have a mindset that each time we take the floor, we want to be better than last time," Stephenson said.

The team travels to McPherson College Sept. 11.

On Sept. 13 the team will head to Salina to play Kansas Wesleyan at 7 p.m. before travelling to Ottawa University on Sept. 15.