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Bethel Christian sweeps Woodland Baptist, advances in NCCSA volleyball playoffs

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Bethel Christian Academy Trojans advance in NCCSA volleyball playoffs with 3-0 victory over Woodland Baptist Christian, sets 25-12, 25-19 and 25-8

KINSTON - Bethel Christian Academy turned a tight second set into a decisive finish Friday, sweeping Woodland Baptist Christian 25-12, 25-19, 25-8 in the first round of the NCCSA volleyball playoffs.

The Trojans improved to 14-3, matching their 2015 victory total and securing their first postseason win since 2024. They will host a second-round match Thursday, Oct. 22, at Bethel Christian Academy. Their opponent and match time have not yet been confirmed.

Bethel entered the postseason 13-3 after a 6-0 district campaign, but the team’s first-round performance offered three different tests: an opening-set surge, a back-and-forth second set and a commanding finish.

“I think they did great,” Bethel coach Michelle Williams said afterward. “Third set, they showed exactly what they’re made of.”

Bethel seizes control

The first set was tied 8-8 before Bethel scored 11 of the next 12 points to build a 19-9 advantage. The Trojans closed the set 25-12, with Madison Jackson, Suzanne Rouse and Emma Ingram making their presence felt on attacks around the net.

Woodland Baptist pushed back in the second. After trailing 8-4, the Eagles worked their way into an 11-10 lead and later moved ahead 15-14. The teams traded points through an 18-18 tie before Bethel finally broke free. The Trojans scored seven of the final eight points to take the set 25-19.

Williams acknowledged that the middle set had been more difficult than the opening frame, but Bethel did not let that momentum shift carry over.

The Trojans raced to a 9-1 lead in the third set, pushed their advantage to 14-3 and built a 20-7 cushion. Junior Mikayla Cash was a strong presence at the net, while Jackson and Ingram showed their athleticism with plays around the front row.

Senior Suzanne Rouse served the final five points as Bethel finished the set on a 5-0 run and sealed the sweep, 25-8.

“I think our serving in this game was really key,” Rouse said in the postgame interview. “It felt really good to know that we got that next game secured.”

Ingram also pointed to the Trojans’ collective effort after the match. “I think we all came together,” she said.

Another home playoff match ahead

The win marked a postseason step forward for Bethel, which lost in the opening round in 2025. In 2024, the Trojans won their first-round match at home before falling in the second round.

It also continued the program’s recent climb under Williams. Bethel won three matches in 2023, eight in 2024 and 10 in 2025 before reaching 14 with Friday’s victory. The Trojans’ last season with more wins was 2014, when they finished 16-5.

Now Bethel will prepare to play another postseason match in its home gym next Thursday. Williams’ message to the Trojans was straightforward: rest, return to practice ready and keep their focus on what comes next.

“We got more games to go,” Williams said.

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