BOXSCORE

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. -- The Augsburg college volleyball team dropped a heartbreaker to Bethel University in MIAC action on Friday night. With the loss the Auggies fall to to 16-12 overall (5-4 MIAC), while the Royals improve to 11-15 overall (2-6 MIAC).

The Auggies came ready to play in the first set, hitting .314, and claiming a 25-21 first set victory. Augsburg struggled offensively in the second set and just couldn't get things going as they dropped the second 25-11.

In the third set, Augsburg was able to put together a series of runs as they regrouped and took the third 25-18. The Auggies found themselves up 12-10 in the fourth set but offensive miscues by the Auggies allowed the Royals to get back in the set. Bethel was able to build a four point advantage that proved to be too much for the Auggies to overcome as they fell 25-19.

The deciding fifth set proved to be as close as they come. Augsburg held a 15-14 advantage and served for the win but wasn't able to close out the match as Bethel got a huge block to claim the 18-16 deciding victory.

Augsburg was led offensively by Amanda Unze (FY, Chanhassen, Minn./Chaska HS) and Caitlin Batzlaff (SO, Plymouth, Minn./Wayzata HS), who posted 13 and 10 kills respectively. Setter Shanna Reed (SR, Eagan, Minn./Holy Angels HS) posted her second double-double in her last three matches with 43 assists and a career-high 24 digs.

Bethel was led by Amy Werner and Nicole Wriedt, who posted a game-high 19 and 16 kills respectively. Setter Betsy Naatjes posted 51 assists on the night.

Augsburg returns to action on Wednesday (10/28) when the host Carleton College in an important MIAC matchup if the Auggies hope to clinch one of the six MIAC playoff spots.