GCU drops conference opener at Dixie State

Thursday, September 17

L 1-3

Grand Canyon

Dixie State

9/17/2009 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball

ST. GEORGE, Utah -- Grand Canyon University fell in its initial Pacific West Conference volleyball match of the season, 3-1, at Dixie State College Thursday.

The teams meet again Friday at 1 p.m. GCU (8-3, 0-1) lost by set scores of 26-24, 17-25, 25-17, 25-21.

Sophomore libero Laurann Durbin (Phoenix, Ariz./Sunnyslope) had 44 digs. Freshman Caelen Hiller (Phoenix, Ariz./Sunnyslope) had 22 kills and 17 digs.

After trailing 5-0 in the first set, the Lopes fought back to tie at points 19 through 24, but the Red Storm scored the next two for the win.

In the second set, GCU fell behind early, again. Down 13-9, the Lopes rallied on the serve of senior defensive specialist Vicky Bauler (Phoenix, Ariz./Agua Fria). During a 7-0 run, Killer had two kills and freshmen Kristen Preach (Phoenix, Ariz./Xavier Prep) and Katie Peterson (pictured; Glendale, Ariz./Mountain Ridge) each had one. Peterson and fellow frosh Shelby Taylor (Phoenix, Ariz./Central) combined on a block. GCU stayed in control the rest of the way to tie the match 1-1.

GCU found itself with early deficits in each of the final two games. In the fourth set, the Lopes got within one, 15-14.

Preach had 38 assists and 12 digs. Senior Whitney Estes (Gardnerville, Nev./Douglas) had 13 kills and two solo blocks. Senior Jenna Skadeland (Williston, N.D./Williston) had seven block assists. Hiller and Peterson each had four block assists.