Kruse Control: Foresters Outlast Bethel in Five-Set Thriller 

Huntington, Ind.- In a match that had all the makings of a Crossroads League classic, the HU volleyball team protected home court with a dramatic five-set win over Bethel University on Saturday afternoon at Platt Arena. The Foresters, now 11–1 overall and 2–0 in league play, edged the Pilots 3–2 (25–22, 25–17, 23–25, 23–25, 15–10). 

Huntington's attack was balanced, with five different Foresters recording at least eight kills. Senior outside hitter Haley Kruse anchored the offense, pounding down 15 kills while also chipping in four blocks and 18 points overall. In the fourth set, Kruse recorded her 1,000th career kill as a Forester.

"I am thrilled for Haley in getting her 1,000th kill today! She is a determined and aggressive attacker who benefits our team for six full rotations", said Coach Kelsey Herber. "To coach your sister is unique and special. What a gift these past four years have been. We are soaking in every second of what we have left." 

Kruse had plenty of help up front, as Maisyn Robrock (11 kills, 13 points) and Maggie Hollon (10 kills, 11 points) provided timely swings from the outside. In the middle, Trevyn Terry was lethal with nine kills on just 14 swings (.571) to go with six total blocks. 

Setter Lauren Ross directed the offense with a match-high 29 assists, while fellow setter Kennedy Urban added 20 more. On the defensive end, libero Layla Meyer was relentless, digging up a team-best 26 balls to stymie Bethel's attack. Huntington matched the Pilots in digs, 83–83, but had the advantage at the net with 25 total blocks (5 solo, 20 assists) to BU's 15 (3 solo, 12 assists). 

The Foresters controlled the opening two sets, hitting .130 and .300 to take a 2–0 lead. But Bethel stormed back, winning tight third and fourth sets by identical 25–23 scores. In the decisive fifth, Huntington regrouped with efficient attacking (.280) and timely blocking to seal the 15–10 victory. 

"I trust that our team will grow from this match and be better because of it," Herber added. "I am proud of how we competed with confidence in set five to finish the game against a strong Bethel team."

In arguably the toughest test of the early season, the Foresters will hit the road on Wednesday to take on 15th-ranked Mount Vernon Nazarene University. First serve is set for 7:00 p.m.  

The Huntington University Foresters compete in 18 intercollegiate sports for men and women. In the past decade, Huntington has produced 181 NAIA All-America honors and 631 All-America Scholar Athlete honors. Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S. News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest.