WINFIELD, Kan. — The Southwestern College volleyball team will look to get back in the win column Wednesday evening when it travels to face Avila University in Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference action. First serve is set for 6:30 p.m. in Kansas City, Missouri.
The Moundbuilders (7-11, 1-3 KCAC) enter the contest seeking to rebound after a pair of conference setbacks. Southwestern has shown flashes of consistency this season, earning wins in four of its last seven matches.
Outside hitter Mikki Johnson leads the Moundbuilder offense with 138 kills, averaging 2.60 per set. Autumn Bennett adds 137 kills and a .226 hitting percentage to give Southwestern a balanced attack. Setter Natalie Blaufuss has paced the offense with 262 assists, while libero Avery Riedel anchors the back row with 219 digs, averaging 3.59 per set.
At the net, Macey Collier and Haleigh Weber have combined for 55 total blocks, helping Southwestern average 1.34 blocks per set. The Builders also continue to show strength from the service line with 112 aces on the season.
Avila (5-15, 0-4 KCAC) is still searching for its first conference win but has been competitive throughout the season. The Eagles are 2-4 in neutral-site contests and have picked up several nonconference victories behind a balanced offensive front.
Maddie Jones leads Avila with 202 kills and a .183 attack percentage, while Sydney Owens has contributed 156 kills and a team-leading 218 digs. Emerson Sweet adds 165 digs and 33 service aces, providing steady play in the backcourt.
Southwestern averages 10.4 kills per set compared to opponents' 11.2 and carries a .134 team hitting percentage. The Moundbuilders and their opponents are nearly even in total digs, 830 to 833, while the Builders have limited their errors and maintained efficient serving throughout the season.
Following Wednesday's trip to Avila, Southwestern continues KCAC play Saturday on the road at Tabor College before returning home next Wednesday to host Evangel University inside Stewart Field House. With the second half of the season underway, the Builders will look to build momentum and climb the conference standings.
