Match Summary

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. — The Saint Mary's University volleyball team saw its six-match winning streak come to a screeching halt — and at the most inopportune time — as regular-season champion Bethel handed the Cardinals a 3-1 (30-17, 30-29, 27-30, 30-22) setback in the semifinals of the MIAC tournament Friday evening.

The host Royals, who will face St. Olaf in Saturday's night's championship match, got a match-high 23 kills from Katie Larsen and 12 kills and 12 digs from Jill Thorvig. SMU, meanwhile, got 17 kills from Leslie Nicholls (Hastings, Minn.) and 12 kills each from Kirstan Rouzer (Comstock, Wis.) and Tracy Koertgen (Crystal Lake, Ill.). Nicholls also hit a team-leading .341 and picked up 14 digs, while Rouzer added 15 digs and Maisa Rouzer (Comstock, Wis.) tallied three service aces.

The Cardinals, who lost to the Royals 3-1 during the regular season, will face St. Thomas in Saturday's 5 p.m. third-place match.