MISHAWAKA, Ind. - After winning the first set on Friday, Grace's volleyball team dropped the final three games in a 3-1 loss at Bethel.
The Lady Lancers (10-6, 5-3 Crossroads League) were unable to slow down Bethel's offense. The Pilots (9-12, 2-6 CL) hit at a .231 percentage as a team, tallying 60 kills compared to 51 for Grace.
The opening set was the highlight for Grace. The Lady Lancers won by seven and had 14 kills on just two errors. Sierra Smith had four kills in the game, and Caylie Teel and Marta Bleed added three apiece.
Grace maintained a slight lead in the second set, but the Lady Lancers were unable to pull away. Bethel made Grace pay with a late charge.
The Lady Lancers led 21-19, but Bethel claimed four of the next five rallies to take the lead en route to a narrow 25-23 victory.
Bethel earned a 25-18 win in the third set, ending the game on a 13-6 run to put Grace in a hole.
The fourth set was another nailbiter, which also went against Grace. The score was tied nine times, the latest at 22-22. The Pilots ended the match, however, with a 25-23 victory.
Bleed and Smith each had 15 kills, and Alexa Hill had a double-double with 44 assists and 12 digs.
Sara Miller racked up 23 digs, and Teel chipped in eight kills and 17 digs. Gina Novotny finished with 12 digs, and Kari Feddema produced six kills.
The Lady Lancers stay on the road Saturday, playing at Indiana Wesleyan at 3 p.m.