SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The No. 23 ranked Spring Arbor University volleyball team came up short in a tightly contested home match against Bethel University on Wednesday night, falling 3-1 inside the McDonald Athletic Center.
The Cougars are now 15-4 overall and 3-4 in the Crossroads League.
(23) Spring Arbor 1, Bethel 3
Scores: 27-29, 25-18, 25-22, 26-24
The match was close throughout with three of the four sets decided by three points or fewer, including two sets going to extra points. Spring Arbor claimed the opening frame, 29-27, before Bethel answered with wins in the next three – 25-18, 25-22, and 26-24.
Kendall Bollenbacher powered the Cougar offense with 15 kills while adding 18 digs for a double-double.
Isabelle Kirkendall chipped in 10 kills and three blocks, and
Keely Hinzman contributed eight kills and three blocks.
Camy Wedge guided the attack with 39 assists and posted 15 digs, while libero
Palmer Fortress anchored the defense with a team-best 24 digs.
Spring Arbor was limited to a .098 hitting percentage while Bethel countered with a .149 and a strong balance across its lineup to escape with the road win.
Spring Arbor travels to Mount Vernon, Ohio on Saturday, Sept. 27. The Cougars take on No. 16 Mount Vernon Nazarene University at 1 p.m. and faces off against Oakland City University at 3 p.m.
