WINONA, Minn. — The Saint Mary's University volleyball team put itself in position to win all three of its games against Bethel Wednesday evening.

Problem was, in all three games, the Cardinals failed to put the Royals away, and that lack of killer instinct proved costly as Bethel cruised to a 30-27, 30-26, 30-27 Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference victory at the SMU Gym.

"It's frustrating, because we had a chance to win all three of those games," said SMU coach Mike Lester. "We were 25-25 or better in each game, but for some reason, we couldn't finish. When it came to crunch time, Bethel had someone step up and get the job done — we didn't.

"I told the ladies after the match that we played at a very high level. The problem is, when the game is on the line, we are still playing at that same level — we're not rising above that and taking control."

Kirstan Rouzer (Comstock Wis.) finished with a team-high 15 kills and 16 digs, while Tracy Koertgen (Crystal Lake, Ill.) added 10 kills. Melissa Cowan (Algonquin, Ill.) tallied 34 assists, 16 digs and four service aces, while Desiree Larson (Blaine, Minn.) added 12 digs.

"I thought we played a pretty good match," said Lester, whose team dropped to 1-1 in the MIAC and 8-7 overall. "Bethel is a very good team and they showed why they are the defending conference champions."

Angie Frenell finished with a match-high 16 kills for the Royals, who are now 2-0 in the MIAC and 9-2 overall. Katie Snyder dished out 35 assists and Lindsey Wanbaugh led four Bethel players in double figures with 15 digs.