WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL PLAYS TOUGH, FALLS IN FIVE SETS TO OPEN SEASON

ELGIN, Ill. – A very strong showing by Avila women's volleyball in the Chicago suburbs on Friday saw the group drop a tough five-set contest to Judson, 3-2 (24-26, 25-18, 31-33, 25-17, 10-15).

Avila led for most of the first set, at one point holding a 20-17 advantage before Judson ended the opening set on an 8-4 run to take the first frame.

The Eagles bounced back in set No. 2, at one-point rattling off six-straight points including back-to-back services aces from Alyssa Jones. Avila ended the second set on a 6-2 run to tie the game at one set apiece.

Set No. 3 was the most hectic of the nearly two-and-a-half-hour season-opener, with neither team leading by more than three during the entire set.

Avila was able to kill off three potential Judson set points before failing to convert on four of their own as Judson took the third set 33-31.

The young Eagles bounced back in the fourth, taking the set 25-17, leading the entire way with the help of strong attacking from Megan Davies, Maddie Jones and Sydney Owens.

Judson took the match in the winner-take-all fifth set. Avila held an early 3-2 lead in the fifth, but a service error by Avila tied the set up and Judson would not look back, taking the fifth set 15-10.

Reigning All-KCAC Third Team selection Maddie Jones finished her season opener with a double-double (16 kills and 16 digs), while Owens and Emerson Sweet each finished with 10 kills. Sophia Giorgio tied Jones' team lead with 16 digs in the match.

Avila will look to get its first win of the season on Saturday with two matches at the Lindner Fitness Center, taking on Trinity Christian at noon before facing Grand View at 2:00.