Antelope volleyball team to host Hawai'i Hilo

"It's going to be a battle," said GCU volleyball coach Kris Naber.

Basically, this weekend's Pacific West Conference matches will be just like the rest.

The Antelopes (10-8, 3-1) play host to Hawai'i Hilo (14-6, 4-3) 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Antelope Gymnasium.

The Lopes trail BYU-Hawaii, 4-0 in the PacWest, by one game, while Hilo is just one and one-half games back.

"I think we're ready to play," said GCU junior Jenna Skadeland (pictured). "We need to be scrappy, aggressive and on our toes."

Hilo ranks No. 1 in the conference in opposition hitting percentage and blocks. GCU is ranked third in blocks and digs.

"Blocking will be a big factor in who wins this match," said Naber.

Three of Grand Canyon's four conference matches have gone five sets. They are 2-1 in those matches, losing the last one to Chaminade after having a 2-0 lead.

On Tuesday, the Lopes got back on track by beating Embry-Riddle 3-0.

"Coming off a three-game win at Embry-Riddle, we did a lot of things right," Naber said. "Being in the position of up 2-0, we finished the third game strong. That was one of my goals."

This weekend's contests start a stretch of four straight home conference matches. After Hilo this weekend, Notre Dame de Namur comes in Oct. 17-18.

Grand Canyon University Athletics

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