Fayette, Mo. – The Central Methodist University volleyball team defeated the Avila University Eagles in straight sets on Tuesday evening, by a final of 3-0. Final scores were: 26-24, 25-21, and 25-19.

With the victory, Central Methodist improves to 21-3 on the season and 3-0 in Heart of America Athletic Conference play. With the loss, Avila University falls to 9-9 overall and 0-3 in The Heart.

Tuesday's match against Avila University, was a slow, grind-it-out type of victory for Central Methodist. In the first set, neither team could seem to get into a grove, as they exchanged point for point. Following a CMU timeout with the scored all nodded at 24-24, CMU was able to rattle off consecutive points on a kill by Petra Schaffer (FR/Carinthia, Austria), and a service ace from Katelyn Waddell (SR/Loveland, Colo.) to take the first set 26-24.

Central would move on from their first set victory and continue to wear down the Eagles from Avila University. Central finished with five more kills, two less errors and a hitting percentage almost 17% better than Avila in the second set, to claim a 25-21 victory.

Following a close battle to begin the third set, CMU would slowly pull away from Avila. The Eagles from Avila showed their fight all the way until the very last point, but Central was able to hold on for the 25-19 victory to claim a straight sets victory over Avila University 3-0.

Darcy Latham (JR/Bismark, Mo.) led CMU with 11 kills, while Erin Dodd (SR/Pittsburg, Ill.) led the team with 16 digs. Samantha Reed (SO/Westfield, Ind.) finished with a team high 16 assists, while Caitlin Petty (SO/Leopold, Mo.) finished one off, with 15 assists.

The Eagles travel west to face their rivals, Missouri Valley College this Friday at 7pm in Marshall. CMU returns to Fayette next Tuesday to host Graceland University, starting at 7pm inside of Puckett Field House.

For more information about Central Methodist University athletics, visit http://www.cmueagles.com. Follow CMU athletics on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cmathletics and on Twitter twitter.com/cmueagles.