Upset Run Continues as Bethel Volleyball Defeats No. 21 Taylor in Five

UPLAND, Ind. ---The Bethel Pilots (14-8, 6-3) defeated the No. 21 Taylor Trojans (14-7, 5-4) in five sets in Odle Arena on Wednesday Night. 

The match marks the Pilots' fifth upset victory in the 2025 season, preceded by wins over No. 8 IU Kokomo (Aug. 20), No. 15 Aquinas College (Aug. 29), No.15 Mount Vernon Nazarene University (Sept. 3), and No. 23 Spring Arbor University (Sept. 24). 

While the Trojans totaled more kills (62) than the Pilots (59), Bethel's serving efforts contributed to the win. The Pilots recorded seven service aces, while the Trojans posted two. 

Lily Vester and Paige Franz each recorded two service aces. 

Ainsley Tacke led the team in kills (16), with Freshman Sophia Beeson posting 15. 

Breyana Bosket led the team in blocks (six), while Haley Biedenbach recorded 46 assists. 

To highlight the opening set of the evening, Haley Biedenbach and Breyana Bosket teamed up to block Grand Canyon University Transfer Ellie Frey.

Following Taylor's fourth set victory (25-21), the Pilots pulled away mid-fifth set with a four-point run, consisting of three Trojan attacking errors. 

Ainsley Tacke put the game in the books, terminating a kill off of Haley Biedenbach for a 15-8 Bethel win. 

Assistant Coach Mady Kern wrote, "I'm incredibly proud of how our team stayed composed, energetic, and fought through every moment tonight. Five set matches test your heart and grit, and tonight they showed they have both. This game was not won by one player, it was a total team effort. Everyone contributed, and that united energy made the difference tonight." 

Sophomore Delaney Kintz shared, "We did a really good job blocking and finding the court, especially Beeson ever since she's air punched 45's."

The Pilots will next compete against the No. 13 Mount Vernon Nazarene University Cougars on Wed, Oct. 8 in the Gates Gymnasium. First serve is set for 6 PM. 

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