Three SXU Women's Volleyball Standouts Clinch NAIA Opening Round
The Saint Xavier University (SXU) women's volleyball team defeated the University of St. Francis in a thrilling five-set victory to reach the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) Championship for the second straight year.
With the win, Saint Xavier also earned an automatic berth into the 2025 NAIA Women's Volleyball Championship Opening Round. Standout players in the matchup included senior libero Avanna Martinez, who recorded a match-best 32 digs; sophomore Carrington Smith, who set a new career-high with 16 kills; and senior outside hitter Jenny Jensen, who registered seven kills and three digs.
It was Martinez's fifth match with 30 or more digs this season. She added five assists and an ace.
"As a libero, I take a lot of pride in doing whatever I can to keep the ball off the floor, so finishing with 32 digs felt like I was really doing my job for my team. More than the number, I was just happy I could help us compete," Martinez said.
The Coamo, Puerto Rico, native is in her fifth year with SXU, having missed the 2023 season due to an injury. As a biology pre-health major, SXU was the perfect place for her to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian while also having the opportunity to play volleyball collegiately.
Martinez feels at home at SXU.
"SXU has such a supportive atmosphere. My teammates, coaches, professors, and fellow students genuinely care about helping each other succeed. Being able to pursue both academics and athletics in a place where I feel supported and valued is the best part," Martinez said.
Martinez stands out on the court and in the classroom. Upon graduating in May 2026, she plans to attend veterinary school, which she believes wouldn't be possible without the education she received at Saint Xavier.
"Balancing academics and athletics requires discipline and time management. I stay organized, plan, and make the most of the time I have each day. Although it can be challenging, the support from my professors, coaches, and teammates makes it manageable and rewarding," Martinez said.
Smith, a native of Flossmoor, chose SXU for similar reasons as Martinez. Studying close to home and majoring in psychology will help her make an impact on her community, with plans to become a social worker.
After completing her first academic year, she's stepping into becoming a well-rounded student-athlete. She also added four blocks, a dig, and a service ace in the Cougars' win.
"My confidence is much higher than last year for sure. My teammates are so supportive and welcoming; it feels like family here. I'm always happy to be on the court with all of them," Smith said.
Jensen, a double major in business management and digital marketing, plans to pursue creative digital work after graduation. A goal for the team since she was a freshman has been to get to the NAIA Opening Round, and she is grateful that the hard work is paying off.
Similar to Martinez and Smith, she wouldn't be the player or scholar she is today if it weren't for the people at SXU who have built her up.
"The community is what makes going to SXU the best. SXU has such a welcoming environment. All my teammates, coaches, and professors genuinely want me to succeed, and that makes a huge difference. Since being at SXU, I've seen myself improve tremendously as a player. I am grateful to my coaches and teammates who always have great feedback that helps me to improve my game," Jensen said.
Saint Xavier faced Viterbo University in the CCAC Tournament Championship game and fell in four sets. Looking ahead to the NAIA Championship Opening Round, all three players believe that good communication and trust in each other will be the key to victory.
"Staying connected and trusting each other will be essential. When we communicate and stick to our game plan, we play our best volleyball. Staying mentally focused and keeping our energy up will also be important. If we continue playing for one another, I believe we can go very far," Martinez said.