In its final game of the season, the volleyball team narrowly lost to Bethel 2-3 last Wednesday. The closeness of the defeat in many ways characterized the Scots’ season, which ended with a 5-6 MIAC record and 11-16 overall record.

Facing robust competition in a tough league, the team played five games in all but one of its conference losses. The close defeats spoiled Mac’s bid for a playoff berth.

Three of these hard-fought losses came against nationally ranked teams. The Scots lost 2-3 in matches against No. 21 St. Benedict’s, No. 16 Carleton and No. 14 Concordia.

The Scots concluded their season one spot out of the conference tournament, finishing seventh overall for the second year in a row. This was a year in which a few more points could have dramatically altered the fortunes of the Scots.

Middle/Outside Hitter Bethany Tate ’05 said she has mixed feelings about the season. “We didn’t do as well as we could have but I don’t have any regrets,” she said. Tate and teammate May Lin Kessenich ’05 both looked at Mac’s dominating 3-0 sweep of playoff-bound Gustavus Adolphus as a highlight of the year and a good example of the team’s potential.

“It was pretty tough to lose those close ones, but you just play cause you’re having fun,” Kessenich said.

“[The season brought] disappointment, but a lot of joy as well” Tate said.

The match against Bethel marked the final MIAC appearance by Tate and Kessenich. Tate led the team in aces and provided the second most kills, digs and blocks. Kessenich had over 2,000 career digs and lead the MIAC with 6.31 digs per game this season, making a strong case for MIAC defensive player of the year, “[They’re] going to be a big loss,” Briana Keefe-Oates ’08 said.

Besides Tate and Kessenich, every other player will return next season, and the two seniors believe the team’s outlook is positive. “I think they have a great chance to do well,” Tate said. “A consistent setter is really important and that’s what they have,” she added, alluding to setters Keefe-Oates and Kari Tanaka ’08.

“They have great talent,” Kessenich said of her young teammates.