Thrilling Third Set Punctuates Marian's Home Sweep Over No. 15 Bethel

INDIANAPOLIS - Paced by an efficient offense and strong defensive presence, the Marian volleyball team won its third consecutive match Wednesday night with a sweep of No. 15 Bethel University. Marian improves to 10-5 overall on the season and 4-1 in Crossroads League play with the upset win, claiming their fifth win over Bethel in the last five meetings.

Marian owned the tempo in both the first and second sets, starting the night by opening the game on a 4-0 run. The lead quickly jumped to nine for Marian as the attackers got loose, while a block from Madison Brooks and Averi Lanman helped the early scoring surge. Bethel would chip back within two points, however a run fueled by kills from Khori Dryden and Gabby Fish gave the Knights the momentum, as the lead bounced from two to eight. The home advantage would grow to nine by set's end, as Fish and Dryden put down the final kills to complete the 25-16 set one victory.

Mikayla Christiansen helped Marian set the tempo in the second set, as the first-year Knight was the attacking force early on with a pair of kills in a 5-2 opening sprint. Bethel would claw back to get within one point as the set moved past 20 rallies, but Dryden and Nicole Wilkinson helped keep Marian in front. After a timeout with the Knights leading 12-9, Marian continued to hold strong, trading points but never losing the lead. Marian won the race to 20 points as an error helped increase their cushion, and set the tone in the final stretch as Katie Hardegree won the second set with a service ace, completing the 25-20 win.

Leading 2-0 in the match, the Knights let off the gas in the third set, allowing the Pilots to lead much of the early stages in the set. Marian took their first lead of the game at 10-9 on a block from Jaymison Summers and Madison Brooks, but were unable to keep control as Bethel flirted with the lead. The set continued to go back and forth until the final stages, with the third set coming to a deadlock 17 times in total. With the score tied 24-24, Marian took the first set point on a kill from Fish, but an attack error prolonged the game. Dryden made up for an error and put Marian at match point, with the freshman getting set by Brooks for the winning kill. Dryden's 13th and final kill of the game gave Marian the 27-25 win, securing the sweep on the Pilots.

Dryden's 13 kills were good for a match-high, while Fish posted 11 kills and a .417 hitting percentage. Brooks finished with nine kills in the win, and Christiansen had eight. 

Marian's defense was led by 16 digs for libero Emma Lyons, while Lanman and Brooks each had four total blocks. Logan Smith led the Knights' setters with 20 assists while Hardegree posted 18. 

Marian will have a quick turnaround as they look to continue their winning streak, hosting Grace College on Friday night at 7 p.m.

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