VOLLEYBALL SPLITS TWO MATCHES ON FRIDAY THE 13TH

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Two matchups with Mission University and Kansas Christian College on Friday saw the Avila volleyball program earn a split, losing to Mission, 3-0, but getting their revenge and sweeping KCC, 3-0, in the nightcap.

The Eagles kept all three sets close in the meeting with Mission. Avila led for much of the first set, leading by as many as six late in the set before the Patriots went on a 7-1 run to help them secure the opening set victory, 25-23.

The second frame was all Mission, winning 25-17.

Avila was able to again keep the third set close, but were unable to withstand Mission's play on both sides of the court, falling 27-25.

The two-hour break between games proved worthwhile for Avila as they took on Kansas Christian College, winning 3-0.

A quick first set against KCC was just was Avila needed, winning 25-13 thanks in part to two services aces each from Sophia Giorgio and Daphne Gardner, while Payton Hofer hit .600 in the opening set.

Avila dominated the second set, doubling up KCC, 25-12. The Eagles never trailed in the second set and had three different four-point runs in addition to five total service aces.

The third set was more of the same for Avila, winning 25-12 and sweeping the match.

Avila hit .230 as a team against KCC, with 11 services aces throughout the match. Giorgio and Gardner reached double figures in digs, with 12 and 10, respectively.

Avila is back on the court on Wednesday night, traveling to central Missouri for a matchup with William Woods at 7 PM before returning to Mabee Fieldhouse next Friday for two matches. Following Avila all season long at @Avila_Athletics and AvilaAthletics.com