Lady Owls begin Avila tourney with wins over Avila, Johnson & Wales

William Woods University connected on 24.5 percent of its attacks in a 28-26, 25-20 and 25-12 win over the host Lady Eagles at the Avila University Tournament on Friday.

The Lady Owls (4-5) dispatched the Johnson & Wales Lady Wildcats 27-25, 23-25, 27-25 and 27-25 in tournament play earlier Friday.

Freshman outside hitter Abbi McKnelly led William Woods against Avila with 12 kills, while coming up with seven digs. Junior outside hitter Emily Becker had 11 kills and freshman setter Brittney Engelbrecht handed out a game-high 30 assists. Senior defensive specialist Abbie O'Mara led the Lady Owls with 14 digs.

William Woods had a 16-percent attack rate in prevailing over Johnson & Wales.

Engelbrecht totaled 38 assists, while McKnelly and senior outside hitter Kristen Bauer produced a team-leading 11 kills apiece and O'Mara added 14 digs.

William Woods completed tournament play against Bethel (Kansas) University and Benedictine University-Springfield (Illinois) on Saturday. Results were not available at press time.

The Lady Owls host MidAmerican Nazarene (Kansas) University at 7 p.m. Tuesday.