The HU voilleyball team dug deep to force a fifth and deciding set but fell 3-2 to Bethel Wednesday at Hutton Arena. Five Pipers recorded double digit dig nights as part of an overall of 110 for Hamline, which nearly toppled the Royals for the first time since 2013. 

Morgen Coleman (5) led the way with a career high 33 digs. Maggie Gavic recorded 25 with Gabby Robinson (21), Megan Rubbelke (18) and Karly Bihner (10) also offering considerable support. Rubbelke passed the 1600 mark for career assists with 43. The junior has 1633 for her career and needs just three more mto move into fifth place. 

Madison Hurrle was the top striker with 17 kills with Robinson adding a dozen. Coleman had five service aces to rank fourth in the conference with 17.Hurrle is fifth in Kills with 169 and Rubbelke has the same standing in assists per set at 9.90.

Hamline held leads in each of the first two sets that featured several long rallies. BU, however, came back for 25-15 and 25-16 wins. The next two sets were even tighter. The Pipers grabbed the lead early in both of them and held off a Royal attempt at a comeback for 25-23 and 25-22 triumphs. It was the first sets HU had taken from the Royals in four seasons. 

In the deciding set, though, the Royals went ahead early and claimed a 15-3 decision. 

Hamline dropped to 9-5 overall, 1-1 in the MIAC. The Pipers face Northland Friday, September 27 at Hutton Arena. Game time is 7:00 p.m.