Box Score 1 | Box Score 2 MISHAWAKA, Ind. ---The No. 8 Bethel Pilots (19-5, 17-1) split the weekend with a Friday Senior Day sweep (25-14, 25-15, 25-14) over the Defiance College Yellowjackets (6-20, 3-15) before falling in three (16-25, 23-25, 19-25) to the RV Indiana Tech Warriors (21-8, 15-3) on Saturday in the Goodman Gymnasium. 

FRIDAY vs. DEFIANCE COLLEGE (3-0 W)

Prior to first serve, the Bethel Men's Volleyball Program honored its senior class, recognizing #10 Carson Moore, #9 Michael Nichols, #16 Ben Ritzema, #2 Sebastian Rodriguez, and Graduate Assistant Rebecca Candido for their contributions to the program.

The Pilots controlled the game from start to finish, hitting an efficient .316 as a team while holding Defiance to a -.029 hitting percentage.

Bethel was led offensively by Ben Ritzema, who recorded a team-high 11 kills. The Pilots showcased balance across the lineup, finishing with 38 total kills.

Carson Moore added eight kills, including the final kill to conclude the sweep, while Uros Miloradovic chipped in seven. 

Defensively, Bethel totaled 32 digs, with Sebastian Rodriguez leading the way with 14. At the net, the Pilots added eight total blocks in another complete team performance.

SATURDAY vs. INDIANA TECH (0-3 L)

The Pilots' matchup with the Warriors marked their first league loss of the year after a historic 16-0 perfect Wolverine-Hooiser Athletic Conference run. 

Bethel was led offensively by Thomas Dunkley, who recorded a match-high 15 kills while hitting .303.

Ling Pak Him added six kills, while Santana Roybal-Benson and Jibbe Boeren contributed four and two kills, respectively.

The Pilots showed fight in the second set, pushing back on the Warriors' lead (22-23), before Indiana Tech prevailed 2-0. 

Bethel struggled to find their rhythm at the net, finishing with a .131 hitting percentage compared to Indiana Tech's .372 hitting percentage.

Defensively, Bethel totaled 29 digs, led by Eduardo Kerkoski with 11. At the net, the Pilots recorded 12 block assists, and both opponents totaled six service aces.

Bethel will now shift its focus to the WHAC Tournament in the Goodman Gymnasium on Friday, April 17th and Saturday, April 18th.

The Pilots will enter the tournament as the No. 1 Seed and are hosting the event for the first time in school history. 

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