MISHAWAKA, Ind.--The Bethel Pilots (0-0-1) tied with the Graceland University Yellowjackets (0-0-1) under the Morey Field lights on Thursday night.

In the ninth minute of the first half, senior forward Aubrey Vervynckt put the Pilots on the board, assisted by Leena Thomas. 

Aubrey Vervynckt shared, "It felt great to be back and I'm really excited for this season and the group we have. Tonight wasn't exactly the result we wanted...but we learn from it and shift focus to the next game."

Focusing on the next play is exactly what Leena Thomas and Leila Mojtahedi accomplished in the twentieth minute of the first half. Graceland had tied the score 1-1 when the clock read 17:51, but Thomas soon scored off of a pass from Mojtahedi to reclaim a 2-1 lead. 

Following the Pilots' 2-2 tie in the second half with the Yellowjackets, Head Coach Jason Freeman shared,

"Great start to the season for us. This group brings a higher level of maturity with a large number of returning players...playing at a very good level for game one. Excited to grow into the season one game at a time!"

The Bethel Pilots will next face Ottawa University Arizona on Saturday, August 23rd at 5:00 p.m. on Morey Field. For more information about Bethel Pilots Athletics, check out bupilots.com or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or X by searching @bupilots or #TheRightWayToPlay.