Lady Warriors get first conference win against Avila

Sterling overpowered Avila (MO) in four sets, winning 15-25, 25-8, 25-21, 25-19 on the road. Sterling's defense was formidable with 13 total blocks, while their offense was led by 47 kills. Avila University struggled to maintain momentum after winning the first set, as Sterling surged back with a dominant second set, highlighted by eight service aces throughout the match.

Sterling opened the first set with KcAnna Keiswetter, Maddie Lundeen, Keala Wilson, Chloe Schmidt, Aliya McClanahan, and Grace Battershell on the court, quickly equalizing at 1-1 after an attack error by Avila's Sophia Giorgio was blocked by Schmidt. Sterling briefly moved ahead 2-1 following an attack error by Payton Hofer, but the Eagles seized momentum with a series of service aces and kills, building a lead. Despite a kill by Kaira Rodriguez and a service error by Avila University, Sterling found themselves trailing 13-7.

Sterling continued to push back, with Wilson and Kodie Herd contributing points, though the Eagles maintained control through efficient plays, extending their lead. A late surge from Sterling included a block by McClanahan and Rodriguez, narrowing the gap. However, Avila closed the set with a kill from Emerson Sweet, securing a 25-15 advantage over Sterling.

Sterling took control early in the second set with a series of decisive plays, showcasing a strong offensive performance. After tying the score at 1-1, Sterling's Herd and McClanahan contributed key kills, propelling the team into a lead. The momentum continued with Taylor "Dru" Lindsey delivering two service aces, extending Sterling's advantage to 9-2.

The set was further highlighted by consistent scoring from Rodriguez and Schmidt, as Sterling widened the gap. The Eagles called two timeouts in an attempt to regroup, but Sterling maintained their stride, with Battershell and Lundeen adding to the tally. Sterling closed the set with a commanding 25-8 victory, punctuated by a service ace from Wilson.

Sterling opened the third set by narrowing an early deficit with a kill from Herd, bringing the score to 3-1. Despite the Eagles stretching their lead to 6-2, Sterling responded with a series of pivotal plays, including a service ace by Wilson and consecutive kills from McClanahan and Herd, which tied the score at 11.

Sterling then took control midway through the set, as Kaleigh Guhr delivered a service ace, followed by a series of Avila errors that allowed Sterling to move ahead 16-13. Sterling maintained their edge with a strategic block from Wilson and a kill by Schmidt, pushing the lead to 20-17.

As the Eagles attempted to rally, Sterling's Lundeen and Schmidt delivered decisive kills, extending the lead. With the set at 24-21, Sterling sealed the set with another kill from Lundeen, closing it at 25-21.

Sterling began the fourth set with momentum, initiated by Wilson's service ace and continued strong with a kill by Rodriguez, quickly taking a 2-0 lead. Despite the Eagles' brief comeback to level the score, Sterling maintained composure with key kills from Schmidt and Lundeen, aided by Wilson's playmaking abilities.

As the set progressed, Sterling and the Eagles traded points, with Sterling responding to each Avila advance. McClanahan's pair of kills, facilitated by Wilson, helped Sterling regain and maintain a narrow lead. The score remained tight at 16-16, highlighting the competitive nature of the set.

In the latter part of the set, Sterling pulled away after a series of blocks by Rodriguez and Herd, alongside McClanahan's offensive contributions. Sterling closed the set on a strong run, sealing the set 25-19, and securing the match.

Schmidt led the Sterling volleyball team with 12 kills on 24 attempts, resulting in a .375 hitting percentage, and contributed four blocks, accumulating 15 points. Wilson added significant support with 25 assists, five kills, and 15 digs, while also serving three aces. McClanahan provided a strong defensive presence with five total blocks and added nine kills. Battershell facilitated the offense with 16 assists and recorded 11 digs.

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