Bethel Christian's Johanna Banks looks to set up a teammate during Monday's win over Faith Christian. Photo by William 'Bud' Hardy / Neuse News

By Junious Smith III

After a six-game road trip, coming home for Senior Night felt wonderful for Bethel Christian.

The Trojans made Monday even better, picking up a 25-14, 25-13, 25-21 victory over Faith Christian. Bethel Christian (7-7) defeated Faith Christian in four sets on Sept. 24 during its road trip, and picking up another win against the Conquerors (0-9) snapped a four-game skid to ensure Paige Cannon and Jessi Dawson, along with team manager Meredith Greer, would enjoy their final regular-season home game.

“It feels really good that we won because we held together (and) played like a team,” Cannon said. “We had let up a little for the few games before, but we’re good now.”

Bethel Christian used an early 8-1 run highlighted by a Dawson block, and aces from Olivia Fulcher and Johanna Banks to take over the first set. Faith Christian wouldn’t get within four from there and the second set was even better for the Trojans. After the Conquerors took a 2-1 lead, the Trojans scored seven unanswered, including two Laura Fulcher kills and a pair of Olivia Fulcher aces. Bethel Christian’s lead never got under five as Faith Christian was put into a 2-0 hole.

“It means the world (to get this win),” Dawson said. “We came together, didn’t let up and we won like we were supposed to do.”

The third set was tightly contested throughout and Faith Christian went up 21-20, before Laura Fulcher took over. The junior got a kill on the next point before ending the match with four consecutive aces.

“It’s something you work for — to have that moment in the game — and you feel really appreciative of all the time you put in, and all the people who invested in you,” Fulcher said. “It’s great to win with these girls.”

Bethel Christian coach Bryant Dilda said the home game certainly worked wonders.

“We started well on the road then lost our last four, so everyone was just glad to be back,” Bethel Christian coach Bryant Dilda said. “Everyone played well, we executed and hopefully we’ll be able to keep this momentum. We have another road game Tuesday and then a playoff game Friday (more than likely on the road), but we started strong. If we can finish strong, we’ll be alright.”

The Trojans travel to Fayetteville Tuesday in the regular-season finale against Berean Baptist. The NCCSA playoff seedings come out Wednesday and Bethel Christian will find out its opponent.