Swedes Show Heart and Hustle on the Hardwood
September 4, 2019
The Bethany volleyball team was back in action today at the Concordia University Tournament in Seward, Nebraska. While the Swedes were unable to come up with a victory they made both teams work extra to take them down.
WALDORF – 3, BETHANY – 0
The Swedes’ first opponent settled things in three sets but were by no means putting Bethany away easily. The first set of the match was too close to call in just 25 points as the Swedes forced the Warriors to go beyond to win the match 27-25. Bethany did not back down in the second set either, Waldorf was just able to sneak in a late-set run to pull ahead and take the win 25-20. It appeared that the third set would look similar but the Swedes fought hard while down to their last point to come up with a four-point run. However, they would not be able to hold off the Warriors forever, falling in set three 25-22.
Georgia Romine-Black, junior hitter, tallied up the most kills with 11 for the Swedes, Jordan Valentine, sophomore middle, stayed solid putting away six of her seven attempts for a kill. In addition to this, Valentine served up four aces with no errors from behind the line. Ivona Vojvodic, senior setter, added 17 assists to her number in the set while helping to lead the team, along with Haley Reifsteck, junior libero, with 12 digs each. Helping out the defense was the eight total blocks the Swedes had, Serenity Storey, senior middle, got in on six of those.
MAYVILLE STATE – 3, BETHANY – 0
This match seemed to go in a similar way with the Swedes not catching breaks at the right time. Mayville was able to get on top of the Swedes early in the first set but a few late set runs by Bethany kept them in the fight. Unfortunately, the Swedes were not able to pull out an upset as MSU took the first set 25-21. Bethany kept that fire going into the second set, however, the Comets were able to utilize a few small streaks in the middle of the match to pull away and eventually take the set, 25-16. Finally, both teams brought it all for the third set with 16 ties and four lead changes this one stayed very tight nit for the majority of the match. Once again, the Swedes forced extra points, in order for MSU to get the win they finally had to get to a score of 32-30.
Paola Sanabria-Lopez shined in this contest putting away 11 kills. Vojvodic had the next highest number with seven in addition to the 31 assists and three aces she racked up. On the back line, Reifsteck led things for Bethany with 20 digs while Brenna Black, senior passer, tallied 13 digs. As a team, the Swedes put up seven total blocks.
Up Next . . .
The Swedes travel next for a non-conference match up with county rival, McPherson College on Wednesday, September 4. First serve for this game is set for 6 p.m. in McPherson, Kan.
– #RockarStockar –
Photo by Jim Turner ’68
WALDORF – 3, BETHANY – 0
The Swedes’ first opponent settled things in three sets but were by no means putting Bethany away easily. The first set of the match was too close to call in just 25 points as the Swedes forced the Warriors to go beyond to win the match 27-25. Bethany did not back down in the second set either, Waldorf was just able to sneak in a late-set run to pull ahead and take the win 25-20. It appeared that the third set would look similar but the Swedes fought hard while down to their last point to come up with a four-point run. However, they would not be able to hold off the Warriors forever, falling in set three 25-22.
Georgia Romine-Black, junior hitter, tallied up the most kills with 11 for the Swedes, Jordan Valentine, sophomore middle, stayed solid putting away six of her seven attempts for a kill. In addition to this, Valentine served up four aces with no errors from behind the line. Ivona Vojvodic, senior setter, added 17 assists to her number in the set while helping to lead the team, along with Haley Reifsteck, junior libero, with 12 digs each. Helping out the defense was the eight total blocks the Swedes had, Serenity Storey, senior middle, got in on six of those.
MAYVILLE STATE – 3, BETHANY – 0
This match seemed to go in a similar way with the Swedes not catching breaks at the right time. Mayville was able to get on top of the Swedes early in the first set but a few late set runs by Bethany kept them in the fight. Unfortunately, the Swedes were not able to pull out an upset as MSU took the first set 25-21. Bethany kept that fire going into the second set, however, the Comets were able to utilize a few small streaks in the middle of the match to pull away and eventually take the set, 25-16. Finally, both teams brought it all for the third set with 16 ties and four lead changes this one stayed very tight nit for the majority of the match. Once again, the Swedes forced extra points, in order for MSU to get the win they finally had to get to a score of 32-30.
Paola Sanabria-Lopez shined in this contest putting away 11 kills. Vojvodic had the next highest number with seven in addition to the 31 assists and three aces she racked up. On the back line, Reifsteck led things for Bethany with 20 digs while Brenna Black, senior passer, tallied 13 digs. As a team, the Swedes put up seven total blocks.
Up Next . . .
The Swedes travel next for a non-conference match up with county rival, McPherson College on Wednesday, September 4. First serve for this game is set for 6 p.m. in McPherson, Kan.
– #RockarStockar –
Photo by Jim Turner ’68
LINDSBORG, KS. MAY 6, 2025 — As Bethany College celebrates the accomplishments of the Class of 2025, one graduate's walk across the stage represents an unfinished dream now fulfilled more than five decades later. In 1970, Marilyn Allen Peterson was just one class away from earning her degree in elementary education from Bethany College. But when her husband, Dr. Thomas Peterson (Bethany Class of 1968), was called into military service during the Vietnam War, the couple relocated to Arizona with little notice. In the midst of the move, Marilyn was unable to complete her final requirement: a single science elective. Earlier this year, Dr. Peterson contacted Bethany College to share his wife’s story and asked a simple question: Could she still finish what she started? Thanks to the efforts of faculty and staff who dug into old catalogs, found the transcripts stored on microfilm, and brainstormed creative solutions for completing that final requirement, we are proud to say: yes, she could—and she did. With her final credit completed, Marilyn became eligible to receive her degree. At age 76, Marilyn Allen Peterson officially joins the Bethany College Class of 2025. During Commencement, she was recognized with heartfelt applause from the entire Bethany community. "Marilyn, on behalf of Bethany College, we celebrate your dedication, your patience, and your enduring Swede spirit," said Dr. Laura Crawley, President of Bethany College. "Let this moment remind us all that it’s never too late to finish what we start, and that some of the most meaningful victories are the ones that take a little longer to reach." Marilyn’s story is not only a tribute to personal perseverance, but also a testament to the lifelong bonds formed at Bethany College and the value of returning to one’s roots to complete the journey. The full Commencement Ceremony is available to view online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0Dee6oUH3k Photos from the event can be found at: https://jimturner.zenfolio.com/bethanygraduation2025 Learn more about our Baccalaureate and Commencement speakers here: https://www.bethanylb.edu/bethany-college-baccalaureate-and-commencement-speakers The full graduation press release can also be found on our website at: https://www.bethanylb.edu/congratulations-2025-graduates Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
LINDSBORG, KS. MAY 6, 2025 — Bethany College conferred degrees upon 104 students in Presser Hall Auditorium on May 3, 2025. The ceremony recognized students who earned Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Music Education degrees during the 2024–2025 academic year. Summer, fall, and spring graduates were honored during a Baccalaureate service at 10:30am, followed by the Commencement ceremony at 2:00pm in Presser Hall. Campus Pastor Melissa Woeppel led the Baccalaureate service, with Ellie Dieringer, an advocate for gender justice and intergenerational equity, serving as the featured speaker. Dr. Kelli Krase, a 2004 Bethany alum, delivered the Commencement address. She currently serves as an Associate Professor, Residency Program Director for Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. The Commencement Ceremony was marked by several special moments, including a welcome address from Dr. Laura Crawley, Bethany College’s 16th President, who officially began her tenure just three days prior. Senior remarks were delivered by Carson Finke and Kort Sjogren, this year’s recipients of the Spencer Bartlett Senior Respect Award. Their speeches reflected on personal growth, the challenges they overcame, and the journey that led them to graduation. Both shared heartfelt stories that moved many in the audience to tears, while offering thoughtful advice and congratulations to their fellow graduates. Adding a powerful artistic moment to the ceremony, graduate Aubrey Larson performed “Defying Gravity” from Wicked by Stephen Schwartz. The event also featured a moving degree conferral for Marilyn Allen Peterson, whose Bethany journey began in 1970 and culminated with her official graduation this year at age 76. Her story of perseverance and dedication has resonated deeply within the Bethany community and beyond. You can read more about her story here: The full Commencement Ceremony is available to view online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0Dee6oUH3k Photos from the event can be found at: https://jimturner.zenfolio.com/bethanygraduation2025 Learn more about Marilyn Peterson's story here: https://www.bethanylb.edu/a-degree-55-years-in-the-making Learn more about our Baccalaureate and Commencement speakers here: https://www.bethanylb.edu/bethany-college-baccalaureate-and-commencement-speakers
LINDSBORG, KS. APRIL 2, 2025 — Bethany College is pleased to announce its Baccalaureate and Commencement speakers for the 2025 graduation ceremonies. Commencement Speaker: Kelli Krase, MD Dr. Kelli Krase, a 2004 graduate of Bethany College, will deliver the Commencement address at this year’s graduation. A native of Hesston, Kansas, Dr. Krase earned her degree in Biology from Bethany College before attending medical school at the University of Kansas. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Dr. Krase has since returned to the University of Kansas, where she currently serves as an Associate Professor, Residency Program Director for Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the School of Medicine. In her professional role, Dr. Krase has been a dedicated educator and clinician, shaping the next generation of doctors. Outside of her academic career, she enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her spouse and their two children. Baccalaureate Speaker: Ellie Dieringer Ellie Dieringer will serve as the Baccalaureate speaker, bringing with her a passion for social justice, faith-based advocacy, and international service. An advocate for gender justice and intergenerational equity, Dieringer is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, where she earned degrees in Hispanic Studies and Global Studies, specializing in Development & Social Justice and International Affairs. Her journey has led her to travel extensively and engage in meaningful work with vulnerable communities around the world, including in Uruguay, Mexico, and Washington State. Dieringer also served as a volunteer with the ELCA's Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program in Montevideo, Uruguay, where she collaborated with ecumenical organizations to promote fair treatment and social justice. Her work has also led her to serve as a delegate at the United Nations' Commission on the Status of Women and to participate in the Lutheran World Federation’s Women’s Human Rights Advocacy Training in Geneva, Switzerland. Dieringer’s commitment to lifelong-learning and service will inspire graduates to continue making a positive impact in the world. About Bethany College Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.