Box Score CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa. ---The Bethel University Pilots (21-6, 17-1) fell to the Saint Xavier Cougars (29-3, 14-0) on Tuesday afternoon in the Alliant Energy PowerHouse in the first matchup of the 2026 NAIA Men's Volleyball National Championship. 

Freshman Eduardo Kerkoski totaled 12 digs to lead the Pilot defense, while Ling Pak Him led the team in kills with eight. 

McGwire Eigenrauch showcased 21 assists for Bethel, while Santana Roybal-Benson anchored the block with three. 

In the opening set, the Pilots claimed an early lead on consecutive earned points with a termination by Ling Pak Him (1-0) and a block by Christian Woumnga (2-0). 

While the tug-of-war for points ensued, the Pilots made an impressive comeback near the set's conclusion. After trailing by four with the Cougars at set point, two Saint Xavier errors combined with a block by Jibbe Boeren and Ling Pak Him put Bethel within one (23-24). 

The Cougars would ultimately sweep Bethel in what would be the Pilots' most competitive 2026 matchup with the CCAC opponent. The Pilots previously fell 25-17 in the final set of their earlier faceoff on March 21. 

Bethel will next face the Mount Mercy Mustangs (22-4) on Wednesday, April 29 at 10 AM CDT in the Alliant Energy PowerHouse, as they look to further their run in their first NAIA National Tournament appearance. 

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