KANSAS CITY, Mo. - After dropping the opening set, the Bethel College volleyball team won the next three to defeat the Avila Eagles in their own gym.

The Threshers started the contest slow as they look like they left their game in the vans. 

After dropping the opening set 25-17, Bethel rebounded in the second set with a 25-21 victory to even the match. 

The third set saw the Threshers jump out to a lead as large as seven points, but they were unsuccessful in stymieing the Eagle comeback attempt. Bethel had three set points in the set before they were able to put Avila away in the extended set 27-25.

With Bethel leading 2-1, they put together their best set of the contest as they turned in their largest kill total and best hitting percentage of any set. The Threshers also held the Eagles to their worst hitting percentage and lowest kill total of the match in the final set.

Bethel was led offensively by Landree Merriman, who recorded a career high 12 kills.

Kaitlyn Shima continued to command the Thresher attack as she has of recent, recording 32 assists in the victory.

Turning in a team high 6 blocks, Darla Crow continues her dominance at the net. Crow still paces the entire NAIA with 169 total blocks on the season.

Katey Wilhelm led the Thresher back row with 25 digs in the four set victory.

This win gives the Threshers the victory in 17 of their last 18 contest and gives them the lone spot at the top of the conference.

Bethel will be back in action tomorrow, October 28th as they take on the 23rd ranked Ottawa Braves at noon in Ottawa, Kan.

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