GCU drops 3-1 decision to No. 24 W. Washington

Friday, September 11

L 1-3

Grand Canyon

Western Washington

9/11/2009 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball

BELLINGHAM, Wash. -- Grand Canyon fell to 6-2 on the season with a 3-1 loss to No. 24 Western Washington in the Western Washington Tournament at Carver Gym Friday.

Freshman Kristen Preach (Phoenix, Ariz./Xavier Prep), had 34 assists, 11 digs, eight kills and two block assists. Frosh Caelen Hiller (Phoenix, Ariz./Sunnyslope) had 13 kills and 11 assists.

Sophomore Lisa Ramirez (Peoria, Ariz./Peoria), pictured had 18 digs, while sophomore libero Laurann Durbin (Phoenix, Ariz./Sunnyslope) had 15 digs.

Senior Whitney Estes (Gardnerville, Nev./Douglas) added eight kills and junior Megan Toth (Phoenix, Ariz./Arcadia) had 11 digs.

The Lopes led as much as 12-7 in the fourth game, hoping to force the deciding fifth set, but the nationally-ranked Vikings rallied to score nine straight and take command.

In the victorious second set, GCU went on a 7-0 run to take control 16-10. A kill from senior Dana Edington (Peoria, Ariz./Centennial) started the rally. The next six points came on WWU attack errors, highlighted by block assists from Preach and freshman Shelby Taylor (Phoenix, Ariz./Christian).

GCU plays twice Saturday. It takes on Central Washington at 1 p.m. and Western Oregon at 5 p.m.