The Swede volleyball team ended the first half of their conference play this past week by hosting cross-town rival Kansas Wesleyan University on Tuesday night before traveling to KCAC 1st place Friends University Thursday evening.

The Swedes came out hot and ready against the Coyotes of Kansas Wesleyan, sweeping their conference foe 25-22, 25-15, and 25-18.  Seniors Lisa Runnebaum and Brittany Westenfelder led the Bethany defense with 17 and 14 digs, respectively.  Junior Kristi Parker also had several solid defensive plays as she chalked up three assisted and two solo blocks.  Parker also was a big contributor to the Swede offense as she had 8 kills out of 13 attempts, giving her a match-high .538 hitting percentage.  Runnebaum's fondly known cannon of an arm led Bethany in kills with 10.

Looking to knock off the first place Falcons Thursday night, the Swedes gave it a valiant effort as they won the first two games 25-19 and 25-21.  However, Friends would fight back as they quickly changed their performance, beating the Swedes 25-16 and 25-13 in games three and four.  Entering the decisive game five, Bethany looked as if they were going to pull out the victory as they mustered a 14-11 lead late in the game.  However, Friends scored five straight unanswered points, winning game five (16-14) and the match.  Westenfelder had an impressive defensive showing, heading the Bethany defense with 22 digs.  She was closely followed by Runnebaum, who tacked up 17 digs.  Junior Megan Wendell added 16 digs while senior Stephanie Adamson had 11.  Senior Angelisa Sexson caught some air as she had three solo and two assisted blocks.  Parker also tacked up three assisted blocks.  Adamson lit up the ball on the offensive end with eight kills while Parker had a solid nine.  Runnebaum again led the Swede kill column with 24.

Bethany will begin the second half of their conference schedule on Monday, October 13th, as they head to Tabor College before returning home to host Sterling College on Wednesday, October 15th.  Both games are set for 7 p.m.  The Swedes finish the week by traveling to Ottawa University Saturday afternoon, October 18th.  Game time is scheduled for 4 p.m.  Bethany is now 9-5 overall and 7-2 in the KCAC.