Jeff Yoder | Echo
Less than a week ago, the Bethel Pilots defeated the Wildcats of Indiana Wesleyan to take the top spot in the Crossroads League and remain the only unbeaten team in conference. The Taylor volleyball team wasn't fazed, however, as they won three consecutives sets against the Pilots last night to cruise to a 3-1 upset.
"We just took some time between the first and second set to refocus on our goals for the match," said head coach Holly Motheral. "We responded and our preparation this week really showed in those final three sets."
The Trojans are on fire, winning five straight matches and seven of their last eight, all 3-1 or 3-0. Apart from Taylor's one loss (0-3) to Indiana Wesleyan on Sept. 6, the Trojans haven't lost in the month of September.
After losing the first set and trailing late in the second set, the Trojans rallied to score seven of the final nine points en route to a second set victory, 27-25.
Sets three and four were Taylor's as the Trojans jumped to a controlling 21-13 lead in set three before winning 25-22. The final set followed suit as TU pulled away and never let up, finishing 25-17.
Senior Ashlyn DeHoogh recorded a team-high 17 kills. Junior Kelsey Carr notched 29 digs, while DeHoogh was second on the team with 19 digs.
The Trojans are now 9-6 on the season, 6-1 in conference play and tied with Indiana Wesleyan atop the Crossroads League standings.
The Trojans look to continue their hot streak tonight as they host conference opponent Goshen College in Odle at 7 p.m.
Feature Photograph by Timothy P. Riethmiller
