CHICAGO, Ill. --The Bethel Pilots (6-3) defeated the St. Xavier Cougars (1-2) 3-1 on Wednesday evening at The Shannon Center. The four set win highlights the growth between the 2025 season and last year, when the Bethel Pilots dropped an additional set at home to the Cougars for a 3-2 victory.

Lily Vester packed a punch behind the service line, recording five aces against the Cougars. 

Ainsley Tacke totaled 12 kills for the Pilots, leading Bethel's offense. 

Breyana Bosket led Bethel's blocking efforts, posting seven total blocks (four assisted and three solo).

Head Coach Erica Dregits shared, "We started off slow in the first set and let them get runs of points on us! After cutting down on our unforced errors, we were able to get some runs of points of our own and get the momentum to finish the last three sets strong."

Following a two-set run, the Bethel Pilots began the final set of the evening with a rocky five-point defecit (7-2). A series of Cougar attacking and service errors cut the difference to two points, as the Pilots trailed 9-7.

Taylor Delp scored a kill off of Haley Biedenbach to tie the set 10-10. 

Biedenbach increased her impact at the net as the set neared its close, assisting Breyana Bosket with a block to put the Pilots up 18-15.

Freshman Outside Hitter Sophia Beeson scored the final point of the night with a kill, assisted by defensive specialist Paige Franz. 

Breyana Bosket shared, "I am thankful for the win tonight. My favorite part was the unity we embodied as a team and the sacrificial team-first mentality we had. We had a rough start, but pushed back and brought grit and energy that helped us secure the win."

The Bethel Pilots are just getting started, as they set their sights on No. 15 Aquinas College, whom they will face on Friday morning at 11:00 am in the Gates Gymnasium.

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