Bethel Christian prays with TEACH Homeschool before Monday’s contest, won by the Trojans in four sets. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News

Bethel Christian will be heading to the NCCSA playoffs with some needed momentum.

The Trojans enjoyed a 20-25, 25-13, 25-13, 25-17 victory over TEACH Homeschool Monday in the team’s Senior Night and regular-season finale. Bethel Christian (5-7) has won its past two games after a 1-6 skid, peaking at the right time according to Coach Bryant Dilda.

“To win our last two regular season games has been huge for us and gives us momentum,” Dilda said. “If we can play this way in the playoffs, we can hang with just about anybody.”

TEACH  (6-10) started the game up 7-4, for Bethel Christian would score seven of the next eight points, highlighted by a trio of Laura Fulcher service aces. An ace from Johanna Banks had the Trojans ahead 15-10, but TEACH went on a 9-1 run to establish control. Bethel Christian got within 21-20, but lost the next four points and the set.

The turning point came in the second set for Bethel Christian as Shelby Dilda ran off a streak of 14 service points, including six aces. Dilda, one of two seniors on the team along with Amy Walton, helped spearhead a 17-1 start for the Trojans, who never looked back while tying up the match.

“Sometimes we have to feel out a team before we can knock off a little bit of rust,” Walton said. “It was really unexpected.”

The third set had six ties and three lead changes over the first 19 points, but a Banks service ace put Bethel Christian ahead for good at 11-10 and the team went on an 8-1 for separation, led by another trio of Dilda aces. In the fourth set, the Trojans took advantage earlier, as a Jessi Dawson ace and Fulcher kill highlighted a 9-1 spurt to put Bethel Christian ahead for good at 11-4. TEACH wouldn’t get closer than four as Bethel Christian finished the season off in style.

Dilda said she appreciates her senior season and will cherish the remainder of the year.

“It’s a lot of hard work and stress, but I’m thankful to have friends and Jesus to see me through,” Dilda said. “They’re very important in life and they’ve really backed me up.”

Bethel Christian will play Friday against an opponent to be determined.