SWEDES FALL TO AVILA

Lindsborg, Kan.- The Swedes hosted the Avila University Eagles, Friday October 13, for Homecoming and Hyllningsfest Weekend.

Set one marked the start of an intense battle between the two teams. Avila gained a slight advantage over Bethany at 4-2. The Swedes had a slow start to the set and the Eagles took advantage growing their lead to 8-4. Both teams went back to forth, not really gaining any momentum just trading points until Avila managed to go on a run of six points leading the Swedes by ten at 18-8. Bethany responded with several kills to lessen the lead at 12-18. Once again both teams were siding out quickly on each point. Avila still led the set by seven points at 21-14. This proved to hinder the Swedes as the Eagles closed out set one, 25-17.

Set two set the stage for a potential comeback for the Swedes who quickly found themselves down 1-8 to the Eagles. Bethany made crucial adjustments and quickly found themselves growing hot at the net and were able to close in on Avila at 10-11. Samantha Carbajal earned three kills herself on that incredible run. The Eagles were able to side out before the Swedes took the lead but quickly found themselves tied at 13-13. Both teams traded points for the next couple of rotations until Bethany was able to gain a two point advantage at 18-16. Avila responded by going on a four point run lead, turning the table on the Swedes at 20-18. This would be a set changing lead for Avila who closed out set two at 25-20.

Set three, the stakes were high for Bethany who needed to win in order to force a fourth and potential fifth set over Avila. The Swedes rose to the occasion and came out of the gate swinging. Bethany led Avila 7-1 with the help of Autry Satica with two kills, two kills by Samantha Carbajal, a block by Madison McGuire and Samantha Carbajal, and a service ace by Allie Miller. The Eagles tried to close the gap but the Swedes continued to hold strong, only giving one point at a time. Bethany extended their lead at 13-4. At which point, Avila went on a run and lessened the lead to four at 11-15. The Swedes turned around and hit the gas earning a ten point lead at 21-11. This would be too much to overcome for the Eagles who chipped away at the lead. Bethany closed out the third set with their first win of the night at 25-15.

Set four was critical for both teams to either win the match or force the final set for a potential match win.  The Eagles gained a slight a lead over the Swedes at 3-0. Both teams worked hard to make their opponent side out before anyone went on a run. Bethany was able to tie up the set at 6-6, 8-8, and again at 11-11. This marked the start of the end for the Swedes who yet again found themselves down by three at 11-14. Bethany got to work to chip away at the lead but Avila was determined to take the win and got hot extending their lead. The Eagles lead the Swedes by six at 21-15. The Swedes managed to earn a few more points but Avila closed out the set at 25-19.

Notable stats from this game include; 18 kills by Samantha Carbajal, 3 blocks by Madison McGuire, and 24 digs by Michelle Acevedo.

Next up for the Swedes is Tabor College on Wednesday October 18. JV set to start at 5:30pm and varsity at 7pm in Hahn for Jersey Night!

#RockarStockar!