AVILA SWEEPS IN FINAL NONCONFERNECE MATCHUPS

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – In their final tuneup before KCAC play next week, the Avila volleyball program swept each match against University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy and Haskell Indian Nations University on Friday at Mabee Fieldhouse.

Avila controlled all three sets in the first match versus UHSP. The Eagles led by as many as nine on multiple occasions in the opening set, thanks in part to a five-point run midway through the frame. A Paige Huhman service ace closed the first set in Avila's favor, 25-17.

The Eagles didn't trail in the second set, winning three of the final four points behind two Maddie Jones kills and a Makinley Scholl service ace. The Eagles took the second set, 25-18.

The third set was much of the same for Avila, winning 25-17. Avila didn't trail in any of the three sets versus UHSP. The Eagles had 44 kills and eight services aces and were led by 38 assists from Daphne Gardner, putting her over 400 for the season.

Sophia Giorgio (17), plus Maddie Jones and Gardner (12) were all in double-figures in digs in the opening match.

Avila looked to ride the momentum from the sweep into the evening match against Haskell.

In the opening set, Avila once again did not trail the entire way, winning 25-19.

The second set was one of the quickest sets the Eagles have played all season, winning 25-9. Haskell recorded the first point in the set, but Avila have five separate four-plus point runs en route to the dominating second set victory.

As Avila was looking to sweep both matches and go 6-0 on the day, Haskell put up a big fight in the third set. Following an Avila 6-1 lead early in the set, Avila would not lead by more than four for the remainder of the set, with Haskell bringing it to within one on two occasions. Back-to-back kills by Megan Davies were the final two points the Eagles would need, ultimately winning 25-22.

Jones and Huhman (13) and Davies (10) each put up double-digits in kills in the nightcap. Jones and Davies also played a big part with four and three services aces, respectively.

Avila (6-12) kicks off conference play on Wednesday at Saint Mary. The Eagles return to Mabee Fieldhouse next Friday for their KCAC home opener against Sterling at 6 PM.