WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern College battled throughout Wednesday night but fell to Avila University in straight sets, 25-20, 25-22, 25-17, in KCAC at Stewart Fieldhouse.
Southwestern finished the match with 38 kills, six more than Avila, but the Eagles held the advantage in efficiency, hitting .272 compared with the Moundbuilders' .098. Avila also finished with seven blocks and four service aces, while Southwestern recorded four blocks and three aces.
The Moundbuilders stayed within striking distance throughout the opening set after falling behind early. Southwestern cut Avila's lead to 15-13 midway through the frame and later pulled within 24-20 before the Eagles closed out the set. Haleigh Weber helped lead the early offensive effort with several kills, while Mikki Johnson and Kailey Lesquier also contributed during Southwestern's push.
Southwestern put together its strongest challenge in the second set. After trailing 12-7, the Moundbuilders used kills from Charli Richardson and Weber to tie the set at 13. Avila regained control, but Southwestern continued to battle and fought off multiple set points, cutting the deficit to 24-22 before Bryleigh Martin closed the set with a kill for the Eagles.
Avila took control early in the third set, building a 15-4 advantage. Southwestern continued to compete despite the deficit, closing the match with a late run that included kills from Richardson, Johnson and Natalie Blaufuss. The Moundbuilders scored five of the final six points before Avila secured the 25-17 win.
Richardson led Southwestern offensively with 11 kills and added six digs. Weber turned in an efficient performance with seven kills on 13 attempts for a .308 hitting percentage while contributing three block assists. Johnson added six kills, one service ace and a block assist.
Brooklyn Milleson anchored the back row with a team-high 14 digs. Blaufuss finished with 18 assists, five digs, three kills and an ace, while Ayden Joely-Petroff added eight assists, five kills and five digs. Kadance Heumann also contributed a service ace.
For Avila, Martin led the match with 12 kills while hitting .556 and added four block assists. Megan Davies finished with seven kills and five block assists, while Isabella Byrd distributed 17 assists.
The loss moves Southwestern to (6-11) (0-6).
Southwestern will return to action Saturday against the Tabor College Bluejays at Stewart Fieldhouse. First serve is scheduled for 1 p.m.
