Lindsborg, Kan. – The Bethany College volleyball team capped off its 2025 season in dominant fashion, sweeping Avila University 3–0 (25–10, 28–26, 25–18) on Senior Day inside Hahn Gymnasium. The win marked Bethany’s fourth straight victory and secured a 10th-place finish in the KCAC, as the Swedes closed the season playing their best volleyball of the year.
Before the match, Bethany honored its five seniors — Blanca Ariciniega Palma, Michelle Acevedo Ortiz, Danairis Ortiz Reyes, Alanis Jaca Ramos, and Aubrey Meier — for their leadership, dedication, and impact on the program. The celebration set the tone for an inspired performance by the entire team.
On the court, the Swedes controlled every phase of play. Sophomore setter Ashlynn Gehring continued her stellar season with her ninth triple-double, finishing with 14 kills, 17 assists, and 27 digs while hitting an efficient .375. Libero Michelle Acevedo Ortiz, the NAIA’s national leader in digs per set, once again anchored the back row with a team-high 27 digs, cementing her reputation as one of the best defensive players in the country.
Alivia Cheatham added 10 kills and 10 digs for a double-double, while Jordyn Carpenter contributed 8 kills and 20 digs in another strong two-way performance. Antonette Carochi sparked the team from the service line with three aces, and Blanca Ariciniega Palma closed her senior season with six kills. Bethany hit .201 as a team, recorded six service aces, and out-dug Avila 103–92, maintaining control throughout the match. The Swedes dominated early with a 25–10 first set, fought off a late push in the second, and finished strong in the third to seal the sweep.
Head Coach Ayona Tharps praised the team’s growth and resilience: “This group never stopped believing. To finish the year on a four-match win streak, on Senior Day, and to see how much we’ve grown since August — that’s something special. These seniors have built a foundation of heart, grit, and pride for Swede volleyball.”
With the win, Bethany closes the season 7–16 overall and 4–9 in KCAC play, ending the year with undeniable momentum and optimism for what’s ahead.
