VOLLEYBALL LOSES HEARTBREAKER TO STERLING

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – For just the second time all season, Avila volleyball went to five sets, this time against Sterling at Mabee Fieldhouse on Friday night for the Eagles KCAC home opener.

The two teams alternated the first four sets. Sterling's 25-20 win in set No. 2 was the largest margin of victory in any of the five sets.

Avila picked up 55 kills in the game, led by a season-high 20 from Maddie Jones.

The Eagles trailed by as many as three late in the first set, but fought their way back to take the opening frame, 26-24.

The third set was a set of runs, with Avila leading leading 18-16 before Sterling took a 24-22 lead and serving for set point. Avila rattled off five-straight points to take the third set and a 2-1 lead in the match.

Avila held an early lead in the fourth set before Sterling came back to take the fourth and fifth sets and the come-from-behind victory.

The Eagles are back at home Wednesday night at Mabee Fieldhouse against Oklahoma Wesleyan at 6 PM.