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SWEDES SPLIT ON DAY ONE OF BAKER INVITATIONAL
September 9, 2019
BALDWIN CITY, Kan. – The Swedes volleyball team split in their first day at the Baker College Invitational. Bethany first fell to College of Saint Mary (Neb.) before picking up a win over Missouri Valley.
CSM – 3, BTHY – 1
While the Swedes battled hard with this very competitive team, they were unable to come away with the win. Bethany fell in four sets, 19-25, 17-25, 25-20, 21-25.
Jordan Valeninte, sophomore middle, and Georgia Romine-Black, junior hitter, led the team with 13 kills each. Paola Sanabria-Lopez, junior hitter, rounded out the Swedes offense with 11 kills. Ivona Vojvodic, senior setter, continued to command the Swedes’ offense recording 41 assists in the contest. Vojvodic and Haley Reifsteck, junior libero, commanded Bethany’s back line with 12 and 16 digs, respectively. As a team, the Swedes recorded seen total blocks, Valentine got in on five of those.
BTHY – 3, MVC – 2
Bethany was able to rebound quickly form this loss taking two early sets from Missouri Valley, 25-21 and 25-23. The Vikings were able to come back with two close wins, 25-23 and 25-21 to force a fifth set. The Swedes however, were able to put the match away with a 15-8 set win.
Four Swedes recorded double-digit kills led by Sanabrina-Lopez with 15. Romine-Black had 13 kills while Valentine and Vojvodic had 12 and 10, respectively. Vojvodic added another 37 assists to her totoal while she, Brenna Black, senior passer, and Amber Ferguson, junior passer, all had 12 digs. Reifsteck once again led the team in the back row with 17 digs. The Swedes posted 10 blocks with Valentine getting in on seven of them.
Up Next . . .
The Swedes face Valley City State University and Graceland University in the second day of the Baker Invitational on Saturday, September 7.
– #RockarStockar –
CSM – 3, BTHY – 1
While the Swedes battled hard with this very competitive team, they were unable to come away with the win. Bethany fell in four sets, 19-25, 17-25, 25-20, 21-25.
Jordan Valeninte, sophomore middle, and Georgia Romine-Black, junior hitter, led the team with 13 kills each. Paola Sanabria-Lopez, junior hitter, rounded out the Swedes offense with 11 kills. Ivona Vojvodic, senior setter, continued to command the Swedes’ offense recording 41 assists in the contest. Vojvodic and Haley Reifsteck, junior libero, commanded Bethany’s back line with 12 and 16 digs, respectively. As a team, the Swedes recorded seen total blocks, Valentine got in on five of those.
BTHY – 3, MVC – 2
Bethany was able to rebound quickly form this loss taking two early sets from Missouri Valley, 25-21 and 25-23. The Vikings were able to come back with two close wins, 25-23 and 25-21 to force a fifth set. The Swedes however, were able to put the match away with a 15-8 set win.
Four Swedes recorded double-digit kills led by Sanabrina-Lopez with 15. Romine-Black had 13 kills while Valentine and Vojvodic had 12 and 10, respectively. Vojvodic added another 37 assists to her totoal while she, Brenna Black, senior passer, and Amber Ferguson, junior passer, all had 12 digs. Reifsteck once again led the team in the back row with 17 digs. The Swedes posted 10 blocks with Valentine getting in on seven of them.
Up Next . . .
The Swedes face Valley City State University and Graceland University in the second day of the Baker Invitational on Saturday, September 7.
– #RockarStockar –
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 28, 2025 — Bethany College raised $168,167.87 during its annual Giving Day campaign this year, with every dollar going directly to student scholarships. The support ensures more students can afford a Bethany education and take part in the life-changing opportunities that come with it. This year, the Bethany Backers campaign ran separately. Combined, both efforts brought in a total of over $240,000, surpassing last year’s collective giving total and underscoring the strong support from the Bethany and Lindsborg community. “Both Giving Day and the Bethany Backers campaign have been an incredible success,” said Hayley Samford, Director of Alumni Development and Engagement. “We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity of our alumni, friends, and supporters. We’re excited to use these funds to support the students who are here now—and those who will be joining the Bethany family soon.” If you are interested in giving and supporting Bethany College’s mission, please click here . 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. MAR. 27, 2025 — Students in Professor James Baker’s Elementary Social Studies Methods class had a unique opportunity to hear from distinguished guest speakers, the Honorable John Carlin and Bethany College alumnus Ryon Carey '95, during a recent session focused on history, government, and education. The event brought together students from both Professor Baker’s course and Dr. Rana Razek’s class for an engaging discussion on the branches of government, the role of the U.S. Department of Education, and the importance of civic understanding in the classroom. Governor Carlin, who also served as the Archivist of the United States following his tenure as Kansas Governor, offered students a personal perspective on his career in public service and shared insights into the responsibilities of preserving key national documents such as the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. His reflections underscored the value of historical records in shaping democracy and educating future generations. Ryon Carey, a 1995 Bethany graduate, also contributed to the discussion, offering his perspective on leadership and public service. “It was a privilege to welcome Governor Carlin and Ryon Carey to speak with our students,” said Professor James Baker. “Opportunities like this deepen our students’ understanding of the material and remind us all of the importance of connecting real-world experience to classroom learning. I’m incredibly grateful to both of our speakers for sharing their time and insights.” You can learn more about our Education Department at bethanylb.edu/education . 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. MAR. 25, 2025 — Bethany Backers has achieved its most successful fundraising effort to date, raising more than $72,000—more than double any previous year’s total. Thanks to the generosity of over 200 donors, these funds will directly enhance the student experience at Bethany College. Each year, Bethany Backers selects a project based on student suggestions, with donations traditionally starting at $50. A portion of the funds raised also supports student scholarships. Past projects have included creating a mock courtroom for criminal justice students, adding additional seating in campus greenspaces, and purchasing games for common areas. The first project funded by this record-breaking total will be the purchase of new cardio equipment for the college’s fitness center, providing students with upgraded resources to support their health and wellness. Additionally, because of the unprecedented amount raised, Bethany Backers will be able to complete a second project, which will be determined through a vote among this year’s donors. “On behalf of the Bethany College Alumni Association, I want to extend my enthusiastic gratitude to every Bethany Backer who contributed to the 2025 “Swedes Around The World” campaign,” said Olivia Peterson, President of the Bethany College Alumni Association and a 2013 graduate. “This year marked our most ambitious project yet, and our alumni and friends exceeded our goals! Not only will this effort provide upgraded training tools for our student-athletes but, most importantly, it will encourage and motivate all students to move their bodies!” Peterson continued, “I especially want to thank Kelly and Alan Clayton for the generous $10,000 matching grant opportunity and Angie Gaeddert for her wonderful $25,000 gift in honor of her late husband, Dr. Wade Gaeddert. Their generosity inspired others to give and helped us fund the project in full. I am humbled by the collective spirit and commitment of our community. Bethany has shaped us all—and now, we’re ensuring that future generations of Swedes have access to the same transformative experiences. The future is bright, friends! Tusen täck!” The goal is to have both projects ready to launch when students return to campus this fall. Bethany Backers extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed, making this milestone achievement possible. For more information about Alumni projects and how to get involved, visit bethanylb.edu/alumni 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.