MISHAWAKA, Ind. – Strong efforts from Calah Kruse and Dana Johnston were not enough to propel Grace's volleyball team past Bethel on Friday night.

The Pilots claimed the first, second and fourth sets en route to a 3-1 win in Crossroads League play.

The opening set was a close effort, which saw the Pilots produce a 25-23 victory. They continued their momentum in the second set for a five-point win. Grace struggled to their lowest team hitting percentage (.088) in the second set.

With their backs to the law, the Lady Lancers showed toughness by earning a 25-17 win for the largest margin of victory in the match.

But the Pilots closed out the match with a 25-22 victory in the fourth set thanks to 15 kills.

Calah Kruse tied for match honors on offense with 17 kills. She also led Grace's team on defense with 15 digs.

Dana Johnston pounded out 15 kills on a .316 percentage. Ellie Harp produced a statline of 42 assists, 14 digs and 5 kills, and Kaitlin Kerrigan added 12 digs as well.

"We really played well tonight. The games could have fallen either way, and we were right in the mix," said Grace head coach Andria Harshman. "We're doing a lot of things correct and will continue to get better. Bethel is a very nice team in our league, and we took a game off them in their gym."

The match was special for both the Pilots and Lady Lancers as proceeds from the match on Friday night went to support Bethel's honorary six-year-old teammate Lily Strang, who is fighting Fanconi anemia. For more info on Lily and Bethel's support of their "pint-sized teammate," click here.

The Lady Lancers face another stiff test on Saturday when they travel to Crossroads League leader Indiana Wesleyan at 3 p.m.