The Eagle women's volleyball team will have a new look for 2007. Jan Madlock will take over the program replacing Amy Carlson. Last season the Eagles finished 9-13 and qualified for post season play in the Heart of America Conference Tournament

A good core of returning players and several exciting newcomers will take the court for the Eagles this season.

The senior class of Brittany Lofgreen ( Lincoln , NE ), Katy Mulligan ( Olathe , KS ) and Lauren Miller ( Nixa , MO ) will be key players and provide great leadership for the young squad. Lofgreen will be a dominate force at the net with her fierce attacking and blocking. Veteran setter, Mulligan returns to Avila after a two year stint at Nebraska Wesleyan and will use her outstanding leadership skills and knowledge of the game to run the offense. Miller's athleticism and great improvements in the off season will give the Eagles another offensive weapon on the right side.

The team is also loaded with dynamic outside hitters. Sophomore Laura Ten Eyck ( Wamego , KS ) brings a great deal of power while Freshmen Bri Scott ( Lee's Summit , MO ) adds quickness and finesse to the position. Ashlyn Sebby ( Overland Park , KS ) will make a comeback after season ending injuries a year ago to provide exceptional ball control and depth on the outside. Newcomers Sam Cornell ( Belton , MO ) and Lindsey White ( Harrisonville , MO ) are solid all around players and round out the exciting talent at the outside hitter position.

The junior class will make great contributions at the net and in the back row. Katy Davis ( Oak Grove , MO ) will add attacking and blocking power in the middle as Carly Jordan ( Shawnee , KS ) will lead the team's defensive effort at the libero position. Her court sense and quickness will be of great value in the back court.

Rounding out the roster are talented freshmen middle blocker Sarah Burns (Osawatomie, KS), defensive specialist Diane Dornhoffer (Gladstone, MO), setter/right side Tina Carter (Kearney, MO), setter Kyla Milburn (Belton, MO) and middle blocker Michelle Taylor (Lee's Summit, MO). These young players have great potential and are eager to contribute to this year's effort. Their athleticism and work ethic ensure the continued success of the program.

The Heart of America Conference is always competitive. William Jewell looks to defend their 2006 championship with a strong challenge from Lindenwood and Benedictine. Coach Madlock is excited to be a part of the tough HAAC and expects the Eagle squad to be very competitive this season. "I am very confident in this team's abilities to be competitive on the court. They are a hard working bunch. I think we will surprise a few teams and look to finish in the top half of the HAAC this season".