Bethel Christian fights Hilltop but falls short

KINSTON -  Bethel Christian Academy saw its five-match winning streak come to an end as Hilltop Christian defeated the Trojans in straight sets, 25-18, 25-19, 25-21.

The loss dropped Bethel Christian to 10-3 overall and 3-2 at home. The Trojans remain unbeaten in conference play at 5-0, while Hilltop improved to 15-2.

Hilltop has been a difficult matchup for Bethel Christian in recent years. Friday’s result marked the Trojans’ fifth consecutive loss in the series, although BCA still holds a 10-7 advantage in meetings dating back to 2012.

Bethel Christian was competitive throughout the match, getting progressively closer in each set before Hilltop closed out the sweep with a four-point victory in the third.

Sophomore Madison Jackson led BCA’s attack with nine kills on 24 attempts and a .250 hitting percentage. Senior Emma Ingram finished with seven kills on 17 attempts while hitting .294, and junior Mikayla Cash added five kills.

Sophomore setter Kensie Lee distributed 19 assists for the Trojans.

Ingram also led Bethel Christian defensively with 12 digs. Suzanne Rouse recorded seven digs, while Lee, Cash and Eva Griffin each finished with six. The Trojans totaled 43 digs as a team.

Bethel Christian recorded four service aces, with Alaina Harrison, Cash, Rouse and Ingram each contributing one. BCA served at a 91.7% rate for the match.

The loss does little to diminish the level of competition Bethel Christian has faced this season. The Trojans’ three losses have come against opponents with a combined 27-6 record, while BCA has won 10 of its first 13 matches.

The Trojans have also received balanced production throughout the season. Ingram leads BCA with 125 kills, followed by Cash with 86 and Jackson with 79. Lee has handled the majority of the setting duties with 297 assists, while Rouse has produced a team-high 111 digs through the team’s first 43 sets.

Despite Friday’s setback, Bethel Christian remains in control of its conference standing with an unbeaten league record as the Trojans move into the latter portion of the regular season.