Box Score MCKENZIE, Tenn. – The Bethel Lady Wildcats' persistence paid off Tuesday night with a five-set, 3-2 thrilling victory over Williams Baptist in Crisp Arena, giving Bethel its first volleyball win of the season.

Williams Baptist took the first two sets, 25-15 and 25-18, before Bethel rallied to win the next two by identical 25-23 scores. The Lady Wildcats then took the deciding set 15-9, closing the match with a 9-2 run after the teams were tied at 6. Bethel hit .432 in the fourth set and .389 in the fifth.

Kennedi Morrison led the Lady Cats with 15 kills, followed by Carlota Vela with 12 and Emma Fistarol with 10. Fistarol also had 14 digs, Camila Sandoval handed out 26 assists, and Clara Sestini added 13 digs.

The Lady Cats entered the match 0-8 after several close losses, but continued to work and compete. Tuesday's result also gave Bethel a measure of payback: Williams Baptist defeated the Lady Cats 3-0 in late August in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas.

Bethel improved to 1-8, while Williams Baptist fell to 9-12. The Lady Cats hold an 8-1 advantage in the all-time series.

Bethel returns to the road for matches at Campbellsville on Friday and Lindsey Wilson on Saturday.