WINONA LAKE, Ind. --- In the Crossroads League Quarterfinals on Saturday in the Manahan OCC in Winona Lake, Ind., the Bethel Pilots (18-15) fell to the Grace Lancers (19-9)in four sets 3-1.

Maddy Payne led the Pilot offense with 11 kills with a .280 hitting percentage on 25 attempts and four errors. Haley Biedenbach had a double-double with 20 assists and 12 digs and Paige Franz had another 20+ dig match with 21. Lily Vester had a great defensive night with 13 digs.

Grace took control in the first set, with a 20-8 advantage, then took the set 25-12.

Bethel showed a stronger front in the second set, climbing out of a 7-3 deficit and turned it into a 10-7 BU lead. The Lancers tied the second 18-18, then hit an 8-1 run to clinch the set 25-19. 

Bethel made a comeback in the third, claiming their only set win of the match, 25-23. This set was characterized by Bethel's good offense and reduced errors, with Haley Biedenbach showcasing her playmaking skills.

 In the final set, Grace came back with renewed energy, determined to close the match. The fourth tied three times early at 4-4, 5-5, and 6-6, but Grace took off and grew to a 19-13 lead. At 24-14, Bethel delayed the match's end with a 4-0 run before Jadyn Ross put the set away 25-18 and the match 3-1.

The Pilots await the official word on a potential NAIA National Tournament bid or the North-Central Regional matchup in the NCCAA National Tournament.

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