The Buena Vista volleyball team got its 2015 campaign off to a solid start on Friday afternoon, sweeping past 21st-ranked Nebraska Wesleyan, but was then swept by a tough host team to conclude day one of the Bethel University Invite.

BVU edged the Prairie Wolves, 25-19 and 25-20, to take a 2-0 lead before chalking up 14 kills and posting a .407 attack percentage in the third set while rolling to a 25-12 victory.

Jade Schaap led all players with 15 kills and a .324 hitting percentage, to go along with a team-high 12 digs.  Nevada Meis and Maddie Bardole were each right behind with six kills.  Laura Barry had 15 assists with Kix McArthur adding 13.

"Beating Wesleyan was a huge win to start off the season, and really helps with recruiting," said head coach Lori Slight.  "They lost almost their entire starting lineup, but will be a solid team down the road.  We are still working on timing issues and chemisty, which will come with more playing experience.  I'm very excited to see what we can do."

The host Royals jumped out to an early lead against the Beavers by using a 25-9 triumph in set one.  BVU hung tough in the second set but came up short, 25-21, before dropping a thriller in the final set, 26-24.

Schaap was in double digits yet again with 12 kills and 11 digs.  BVU was held to only 30 kills in the match.  Berry chipped in with 15 assists.

"Today we saw a team that will go deep into November in Bethel," added Slight.  "Once we figured out their experienced team and tep, we hung with them.  There were a few too many errors at critical times, which are things we need to work on in order to be a championship team."

Buena Vista returns to action on Saturday for the final day of the event and will play St. Olaf at 9:00am and Concordia-Moorhead at 1:00pm.