Avila Powers Past UHSP in Home Sweep

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Avila offense was in sync from start to finish, and the Eagles (13-18) dominated in all phases of the game in a comprehensive sweep of the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy (7-23) on Friday evening in Mabee Fieldhouse in Avila's final regular season game of the 2022 season.

The Eagles dropped a five-set match at a neutral site against the Eutectics a season ago but on Friday night it was quickly evident that this year's match would look quite a bit different. Beginning with strong serve receive and passing, the middle phase of the offense was in system all evening long – both Eagle setters were able to orchestrate a diverse Avila offense that had success in many different approaches. Avila finished the day hitting .309 as a team, the third time this month they've hit over .300 – and the Eagles are now 4-0 this season when cracking that plateau.

But it wasn't just the offense that was successful against Health Sciences Friday. Avila tallied eight total aces against just one error and surrendered only three aces, and Avila tallied 11 total blocks in just three sets against just two for UHSP. Avila's middles were sensational in the match: D'Ovion Williams and Phoebe Riddle combined for 18 kills and zero errors on 27 swings, a hit percentage of .667, and combined to be involved in all 11 of Avila's blocks. Addison Davis led the Eagles in assists for the first time this season and charted a double-double, and Abigail Blake led all players with 21 digs.

The match was fairly even early, but once Avila took over in the first set the Eagles dominated the majority of the remainder of the match. With Avila on top 7-6, Kyleighn Block headed back to the service line and anchored a remarkable 14-0 scoring run, powered by four McKenzie Green kills, to put Avila firmly in control. Green then capped off the set with another kill, giving Avila a 25-11 win to start the match.

7-6 was once again the inflection point in the second set. This time it was UHSP that held the slim lead before the Eagles reeled off nine of the next 10 points, helped by two aces from Blake and three blocks anchored by Williams. Later, Davis slid back to the line to help Avila win the final seven points of the period to prevail 25-14.

Chloe Brundick set up Williams for a kill to start set three, and the Eagles were in control from there: UHSP won the next point but the Eagles won the following three, and Avila led for the entire rest of the set. Sadie Rann and Sydney Owens were excellent in the third set, combining for six kills and no errors, powering the Eagles to a 25-15 victory and a resounding sweep. Avila's varsity reserve team started the afternoon off by taking down UHSP in straight sets as well.

It's KCAC action from here on in for Avila volleyball with the conference tournament looming in a couple of weeks. Avila will take the floor in Mabee Fieldhouse for the final time in 2022 on Saturday, October 28 against York. First serve is scheduled for 6 PM, with Avila's Senior Day ceremony to follow after the match. Admission is priced at $8 per person; as always, you can watch all the action live on the Avila Sports Network with Max Williams on the call.