WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

Tough losses early in a season can often shape the trajectory of a team. Coach Kelsey Herber’s squad battled with the Pilots of Bethel University on Saturday afternoon in one of those matchups that will give HU the opportunity to use a tough loss to fuel that competitive spirit.  
 
The Foresters got off to a quick start in the opening set by jumping out to an early 9-4 lead. The Pilots (10-4, 1-1) stormed back to tie the score at ten and held on to win the opening set 25-20. HU took the momentum back by winning the second set 25-19 and dominated the third set 25-13. The Foresters held an 18-16 lead late in the fourth before the Pilots ran off eight of the next nine points to win the fourth 25-19. Bethel held on to the momentum and won the deciding fifth set 15-11, sending HU home with a tough road loss.  
 
“Today was a heartbreaker…” said Coach Herber. “We want to improve defensive consistency and make quicker adjustments in response to what the other team does. We are a confident and competitive team. Therefore, I trust we will reflect, grow, and move forward.”  
 
The Foresters offense was led by junior Haley Kruse with 20 kills. Senior Kortney Grimm and junior Maisyn Robrock each had 10 kills. The Bethel defense limited the HU offense by recording 26 assisted blocks compared to 13 assisted blocks from the Foresters. Olivia Krahn defended the back line with 15 digs. Kruse added to her impressive offensive showing by contributing 13 digs on the defensive side.  
 
Coach Herber remarked; “Haley Kruse had a great match for us in both the front and back row.” The junior outside hitter has recorded 127 kills on the year.  
 
The Foresters (8-4, 1-1) look to shake off the tough loss when they hit the road on Monday to take on the  Spartans of Manchester University (4-3) in a non-conference match up.