BETHANY, W. Va. – The Thiel College women's volleyball team were defeated in straight sets (3-0) by the third-seeded Bethany College Bison on Thursday night at Nutting Gymnasium.

Thiel and Bethany were knotted at 11 early in the first set before the Bison went on a 6-0 run to extend their lead to 17-11. Bethany would go on to take the set 25-18.

The Tomcats found themselves in a similar spot in the second as they were once again tied with the Bison at 10-10. Bethany rallied again and built an 18-12 lead as they went on an 8-2 run to put the set out of reach. Bethany won the set 25-18 to take a 2-0 set advantage.

In the match deciding third set, Thiel jumped out to a 3-0 lead before Bethany answered with a three-point run of their own to even the set at three apiece. Another four-point run later in the set gave the Tomcats a 13-10 lead. Bethany answered yet again with four separate three-point runs of their own to close out Thiel 25-21.

The Tomcats were unable to keep Bethany's Katie Sparks in check as the junior outside hitter posted a match-high 19 kills.

Leaders for Thiel included Kasey Kohler (New Springfield, Ohio/Springfield Local) and Jessica Kelley (Freeport, Pa./Freeport) with eight kills apiece. Courtney Grubbs (Freeport, Pa./Freeport) collected a team-high 32 assists, while Peyton Allen (Mineral Ridge, Ohio/Mineral Ridge) racked up 18 digs.

Bethany will go on to face the second-seeded Presidents of Washington and Jefferson College on Friday in PAC semifinal matchup.

This was the Tomcats first appearance in the PAC postseason since 2014 and program finished with the most wins since 2014 (14).

The three-set sweep officially ends the Tomcats' season. Thiel finished with an overall record of 14-20 and 6-10 in the PAC.