YORK YANKS 5 SET WIN FROM SWEDES

York, Neb. - Bethany College was on the road this Wednesday, October 9^th, in York to take on the York University Panthers. JV fell to the Panthers 0-2, and varsity went to a 5^th set that ultimately lead to a devasting loss for the Swedes.

Set 1: The first set kicked off with a steady pace as both teams eased into their offenses. The Swedes took a little more time to find their footing as they were down by 3 at 7-10. Bethany continued to make efforts to chip away at the deficient and came within 2 at 15-17 which held until the Swedes were able to tie up the set at 19-19. Both teams went point for point as the first set neared its conclusion. Tied at 23-23, York earns a kill for the advantage and the Swedes finish with a hitting error. York takes the first set, 23-25.

Set 2: Frustrated at the result of the first set, the Swedes came out swinging in the second set. Steady pace for both teams in the beginning but at the 8-8 mark, the Swedes would take their shot and go on a run. Bethany would dominate the net as they continued to push points and grow their lead. The Swedes were leading the Panthers 16-8. York wouldn't fold easily but the Swedes prevailed and took set 2, 25-19.

Set 3: Set 3 kicked off with a steady rhythm with both teams going back and forth until the Swedes went on a run at 13-10 which gave them a lead of 7 at 17-10. At which point, York tried to swing the momentum into their favor but Bethany pressed on. The Swedes were within set point leading the Panthers by 10 at 23-13. York, desperate to hold on, came within 3 before Bethany finished the set at 25-22.

Set 4: After almost losing the third set with a 10 point lead, momentum had shifted from the Swedes to the Panthers who took it and ran with it. Bethany found themselves down by 5 at 7-12. The Swedes would work to chip away at the deficient but the Panthers preserved and extended the lead to 8, 10-18. Bethany wouldn't recover in time and the 4^th set went to York, 19-25, forcing both teams into a 5^th and final set.

Set 5: The deciding set would start off with both teams going point for point until York gained a two point lead before switching sides, 6-8. The Panthers had control as the Swedes tried to find their footing but the game kept slipping further and further away for Bethany. York would take the final set, 10-15.

Notable stats from this game include 15 kills by Ashlynn Gehring, 3 blocks by Melia Coleman, 24 digs by Michelle Acevedo Ortiz, 2 service aces and 34 assists by Mandy Knipp.

Up next, the Swedes are on the road in Leavenworth, Kan. to take on the University of St. Mary Spires in a weekend matchup starting at 3pm on Saturday, October 12^th.

#RockarStockar!