SSU took on Bethel in the first match of the MSC Tournament this morning and came away with a 3-1 victory. The Bears consistent play was the difference as they took sets 1,2, and 4 for the victory. First team All-Conference performer, Macie Rhoads was dominant in the win.
The first set was close throughout, as the two teams battled to a 15-15 tie. However, the Bears were too much down the stretch, as a quick 4-point run extended the lead to 19-15 and allowed SSU to take the set 25-21.
SSU extended their set lead with an early run in the second. With the score tied at 6, Shawnee State would capture the next 5 points, forcing a Bethel timeout. However, the Bears continued their hot play taking the next 2 points and 13-6 lead, one they would never relinquish. Maddie Payne capped the set two win with a service ace to give the Bears a 2-0 set lead.
Bethel was able to flip the script in the third, going on an extended run with the score tied at 9. Two timeouts later the Bears were looking at an 18-10 deficit, as Bethel was able to get back into the match. They would eventually take the set 25-19 and trim SSU's lead to 2-1.
The fourth and final set was all SSU. An early run pushed the Bears out to a 10-6 advantage, which they would eventually extend to 18-10. This was all the momentum the Bears needed, as they cruised to a 25-15 win, taking the opening match 3-1.
The Bears return to action this afternoon as they take on top seeded Life University at 3:00 Central.
