The Basics
MNU 60, Avila 42
Records: MNU 1-0, Avila 0-1
Location: Breckon Sports Center - Parkville, Mo.

PARKVILLE, Mo. – #17 MNU opened the 2026-27 season with a 60-42 victory over Avila on Friday, highlighted by a career-high 17 points from Annabelle Rakers and huge production off the bench from Grayson Gentile.

Rakers shot 6-of-11 from the field and added 4 rebounds and 2 assists to lead the Pioneers, who held Avila to just 9 first-half points and built a commanding 37-9 halftime advantage.

MNU established control immediately, scoring the game's first 9 points. Kameron Green opened the scoring with a layup, and Rakers followed with consecutive baskets before Mary Lukert connected from beyond the arc.

The Pioneers led 20-3 after the first quarter, holding Avila to 1-of-14 shooting while recording 8 assists on their 8 made field goals.

MNU continued its defensive dominance in the second quarter, limiting the Eagles to 6 points while extending the lead to 28 at halftime.

Avila found more offensive success after the break, scoring 20 points in the third quarter, but MNU matched much of that production with 17 points of its own to maintain a 54-29 advantage entering the fourth.

The Eagles outscored MNU 13-6 in the final quarter, but the Pioneers' early lead was more than enough to secure the season-opening victory.

MNU finished with a 46-35 rebounding advantage, recorded 19 assists on 24 made field goals, and blocked 10 shots (5 from Grayson Gentile). The Pioneers also outscored Avila 38-24 in the paint.

Turning Point
MNU's opening-quarter defense set the tone. MNU led 20-3 at the quarter break.

Individual Leaders
Annabelle Rakers: Career-high 17 points, 4 rebounds
Grayson Gentile: 11 points, 10 rebounds, 5 blocks, 3 assists
Kameron Green: 11 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists
Mary Lukert: 9 points
Zaylee Werth: 6 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals

Up Next
The next game is Saturday in Parkville, Mo. vs. Stephens College at 2:00.