Box Score KISSIMMEE, Fla. ---The Bethel Pilots (10-7-2) defeated the Warner University Royals (5-11-2) 2-1 on Monday in the opening matchup of the 2025 National Christian College Athletic Association's D1 Women's Soccer Championship. 

Bethel entered the matchup as the No. 1 seed, while Warner entered as the No. 8 seed.  

Leena Thomas showcased offensive consistency, scoring the first goal for the Pilots in the 17th minute of the game, assisted by Grace Beck, and earning insurance with another goal to start off the second half (46:35). 

Jesse Campbell of the NCCAA shared, "Bethel wasted no time adding an insurance goal in the second half, scoring just a minute and a half in. Leena Thomas again found the net using her speed to dribble the ball more than half the pitch and score with her left foot."

Thomas now has eleven goals on the season, while Grace Beck's assist marked her first of the 2025 season. 

Freshman Lauren Gatewood entered the game in the second half, allowing one goal while picking up one save (her fifth on the season).

Head Coach Jason Freeman wrote, "Great way to start off the week. It's a long road ahead with many games in group play. Proud of the way our players represented the program today!"

The Pilots will next faceoff against the No. 5 Championship Seed, University of Northwestern, at 12 PM tomorrow. 

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