MANKATO, Minn. - The Martin Luther College volleyball team battled Bethany Lutheran point for point on Thursday, but came out on the wrong end of a 3-0 defeat by the scores of 26-24, 25-22 and 26-24.

The Knights had their chances to win each set, starting with the opener. MLC was in control throughout the first game and led 24-17, but the Vikings saved seven straight set points and finished the set on a 9-0 run to win 26-24.

After the Vikings took an early lead in the second set, the Knights came back to take a late lead (21-20), but BLC once again closed strong and finished with five of the last six points to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the match.

The two teams continued to go back and forth in the third set, and the Knights did all they could to try to extend the match. The Vikings led 24-21 before MLC ran off three straight points to tie the set 24-24, but BLC rallied from there and won the final two points to take the set and match.

Kelsey Birschbach continued her strong start to the season with a team-best 11 kills to go with 14 digs. Kate Aswege led the team with 17 digs, while Kylie Wolf recorded 13 assists. 

MLC fell to 2-2 on the season and 0-2 in UMAC play in defeat. BLC improved to 1-1 on the season and 1-1 in league play with the win.

The Knights will return to action on Saturday, March 13, when they travel to St. Scholastica.