MOUNT BERRY, Ga. ---Szilvi Ferenczy and Paola Lameda were the first Pilots in Bethel history to qualify for the 2025 Intercollegiate Tennis Association Cup.

In the opening round at Berry College, Ferenczy and Paola faced Martina Cortal and Mayra Gisone from Lindsey Wilson College. The doubles match concluded with a 6-1, 6-2 Bethel loss. 

On Friday, the Pilots faced Olivia Alcala and Laia Berne from Tennesee Wesleyan University. While the match proved more competitive than day one, the Pilots suffered a 6-4, 6-3 loss. 

Head Coach Jamal Henry shared, "We've had a lot of firsts over the last year, and having our first group of players in Szilvi and Paola qualify for the ITA Nationals was another great accomplishment. These ladies represented Bethel, our program, and themselves tremendously. I couldn't be anymore happy for them. The entire experience was such a great accomplishment, and a great springboard for our upcoming conference season...and quest to get back to the NAIA Nationals in May." 

Szilvi Ferenczy shared, "Competing and representing Bethel at ITA Nationals was a great experience for us. We learned a lot and proved that we can compete with some of the best teams in the country. It motivates us even more for the upcoming conference season in January." 

The Bethel Tennis Program competes in the NAIA Crossroads League Conference. In the 2024 season, the women's team won the Crossroads League Tournament for the first time in school history. 

The Pilots will begin conference play in March of 2026, setting their sights on another tournament win, and another run at NAIA Nationals.

The battle for the red banner is set for May 12-16 in Mobile, Ala. 

For more information about Bethel Pilots Athletics, check out bupilots.com or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or X by searching @bupilots or #TheRightWayToPlay.