Bethlehem Academy volleyball picked up an upset victory of Alden-Conger on Tuesday night, as the Cardinals knocked off the No. 10 team in the state in five sets.
Alden-Conger entered Tuesday’s match undefeated on the year and ranked No. 10 in the Minnesota Volleyball Coaches Association poll which was most recently released on the 22nd. The next poll will be released on Sunday.
Despite losing the opening set 25-17, the Cardinals would bounce back with good service and strong play at the net to win the second set 25-21. Bethlehem Academy did more of the same in the third set, winning a closely contested 25-23 before losing the fourth set 25-18.
The Cardinals didn’t let the upset opportunity slip past them though, winning the decisive final set 15-11 to pull off the upset.
“What a win tonight!” Bethlehem Academy coach Chris Bothun said. “We started slow in the first set, but made adjustments throughout the night to defend their strong offense. We were able to serve aggressively which helped keep them out of system. We did a nice job engaging our middles in our offense and placed the ball well. We played good, clean volleyball in the third set and that was so fun to watch. A great start to homecoming week for our girls.”
The Cardinals are back in action this week after a weekend series of five matches at the Midwest Volleyball Warehouse Showcase. Bethlehem Academy would face two other teams in the MVCA Top 10 including top ranked Russell-Tyler-Ruthton and fifth ranked Minneota. The Cardinals would lose both matches but not without putting up a fight in each.
Wins over Wabasso and Sebeka evened out one final loss to Ely in the shortened format competition.
Back on the upset trail, the duo of Morgan Wilson and Olivia Glumack were dangerous around the net with 29 combined kills and six solo blocks. 34 assists from Anna Cohen added to her ballooning season totals while Anna Tobin chipped in 15 digs on the defensive end alongside Brylie Becker’s 14. Mikayla Dienst was once again a reliable service weapon with four service aces on a night the Cardinals recorded 13 of them.
The Cardinals will be back in action on Thursday as they get set to follow up Tuesday’s win with a victory agaisnt Randolph. Opening serve is slated for 7:15 p.m.
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