Avon wins fourth straight SWC title

Gardner totals 17 kills in victory

For the fourth straight year, the Avon Eagles are Southwestern Conference champions after defeating Olmsted Falls on Oct. 8, 3-1. The Eagles also remain undefeated in the conference.

The first time these two teams faced each other was Sept. 12. Avon defeated Olmsted Falls in three sets.

The difference between this match, and the first meeting is that this match had more meaning — a conference championship was on the line.

Avon junior outside hitter and defensive specialist Emily Gardner’s performance, and the first set come back, would spark the victory for the Eagles.

Gardner finished with 17 kills against the Bulldogs.

Avon was down, 6-1, early

on. The Eagles were able to hold off Olmsted Falls’ early run to come back during the first set, 25-23.

“Yeah it’s awesome,” Gardner said on winning the SWC championship. “It’s a great feeling to be able to do that for the school and everybody.”

The Eagles battled throughout the second set, but came up short. The Bulldogs defeated the Eagles, 25-23, in another thrilling, back-and-forth set.

Avon coach Julie Bendzuck believes the conference didn’t think they would make it this far, but she knows her team will always put up a fight no matter what.

“I think most of the conference counted us out this year because of what we graduated with last year,” Bendzuck said.

“This team has heart, they showed that, they fought the entire time. Even in that second set when things were not going our way. But they didn’t quit, and they haven’t quit all year.”

During the third set, Avon outplayed Olmsted Falls in every facet of the game. They won the set, 25-16.

The Eagles followed up the third set win with a 25-15 win in the fourth and final set.

“I knew they were going to come out at us swinging, and wanting to beat us,” Gardner said on playing Olmsted Falls.

“That’s how everyone is right now since were the leader in the conference. We really played our hardest and we gave it our all. We really showed them what we can do.”

With this conference victory, the Eagles are 17-0 with one match to go.

Up next, Avon will play Amherst on Oct. 10. Olmsted Falls will play at home against Avon Lake on Oct. 10.

AIMEE BIELOZER — FOR THE MORNING JOURNAL Avon’s Emily Gardner, right, hits against two Olmsted Falls defenders Oct. 8.

AIMEE BIELZOER — FOR THE MORNING JOURNAL Kylee Urban of Olmsted Falls hits over the net Oct. 8.

AIMEE BIELOZER — FOR THE MORNING JOURNAL Leah Morris of Avon hits the ball over the net Oct. 8.