Tabor put together a stronger showing in the second game, taking a 3-2 lead and building that advantage to 17-11. But Bethany came roaring back behind the serving of Lisa Runnebaum, who began her rotation trailing 19-12 and ended up giving the Swedes a 23-20 lead.
Ashley Cohlmia killed that run, and the Bluejays stayed close. Tabor pulled within 28-25 on a sharp spike by Taylor Lawrence. But Bethany senior setter Kelli Noonan closed out the game on her serve.
In the third game, Tabor fell behind 10-4 and trailed 20-10. Jordan Crosson had consecutive blocks to make it 20-12, but the Bluejays could not further narrow the gap.
Tabor also lost at Kansas Wesleyan (21-30, 27-30, 20-30) this week. After taking a 1-0 lead, Tabor fell behind 9-6 in the first game. Battling back, the Blue?jays narrowed the gap to 12-11. But KWU put together an 11-3 run for a 23-14 lead.
Tabor fared better in the second game, knotting the score at 11-all and leading 23-21. But KWU regrouped during a timeout and went on to claim the game.
The Coyotes ran off an 8-0 series early in the third game and followed it up with bursts of 7-2 and 11-3 for a 26-13 lead.
Bethany (12-1), KWU (12-1) and Bethel (10-3) are all ahead of Tabor (8-5) in the conference standings. The Bluejays are tied with Saint Mary for fourth.
Coming?Tabor played Bethel at home Monday night, but results were not available at press time. Tabor travels Wednesday to Ottawa (5-8), with action set for 7 p.m. and visits Saint Mary at 10 a.m. Saturday.
The Bluejays close the regular season at home next week, with Sterling coming to Hills?boro at 7 p.m. Oct. 30 and Southwestern in town Nov. 1.
