MISHAWAKA, Ind. —The Bethel Pilots (8-5) kicked off day two of the Michiana Mayhem tournament with a five set win over the Defiance College Yellowjackets (3-5).
The Cornerstone University Golden Eagles (5-2), who compete against Defiance in the Wolverine Hoosier Athletic Conference, tested the Pilots with an evening sweep.
Ainsley Tacke showcased her ability to dominate at the front line, posting 24 kills between the two matches.
Paige Franz led the team in both digs (37) and service aces (five).
The Pilots entered the final set against the Yellowjackets with a significant 25-16 win. Taylor Delp scored the first point of the match with a kill, assisted by Haley Biedenbach.
Defiance took the lead for the first time in the fifth following a kill by Chaney Brodbeck. Bethel answered with a run of earned points, thanks to three consecutive kills by Sophia Beeson and Taylor Delp.
Delp continued to shine with three additional kills recorded in the latter half of the set, and Bethel claimed the long-awaited win upon a service error by the Yellowjackets.
Junior Jess Hand shared, “There were some really good teams out on the court today and we competed well.”
The Bethel Pilots will hit the road for their first Crossroads League matchup on Wednesday, September 3rd at 6:00 PM. They will face the Mount Vernon Nazarene Cougars, crossing state lines to play in Ariel Arena.