Large Crowd Enjoys GCU Alumni Match

Saturday, August 24

GCU Arena

6:30 p.m.

Grand Canyon

Alumni (exhibition)

Preseason All-WAC libero Mackenzie Phelps had 21 digs Saturday.

8/24/2013 8:55:00 PM | Volleyball

An estimated Welcome Week crowd of 1,100 enjoyed a Saturday night of volleyball in GCU Arena at the annual GCU Volleyball Alumni Match.

With cheerleaders, band, a noisy student section and enthusiastic fans rooting them on, the 2013 team played one intra-squad set and two against a team of volleyball alums. The Alums also played a set against each other.

"I was overwhelmed with the support from alums, families and from all the GCU community," said GCU coach Kris Naber, a 1991 grad in her 19^th season as head coach. "The people that worked behind the scenes deserve the credit. We're very grateful and humbled to have this many people here for this event and our tribute to Brandi Grimes."

Between the second and third set, the crowd watched a tribute video to Brandi Grimes Schamadan, who played for GCU in 1992-93. She died this spring after a long battle with cancer.

On the court, in the intra-squad set, Black defeated White 25-22. Veterans Hayleigh Friemoth, Mackenzie Phelps, Kaitlynn Ausmus and Lanie Muys made up the Black squad along with newcomers Marilyn Agae, Hannah Hankins, Bree Davis and Rebekah Smith.

The White team consisted of vets Megan Davis, Kristen Johannsen, Jessica Posse, Chloe Jenkinsand newcomers Shannon Dugan and Emily Gosciminski.

Britta Forsythe, Megan Byrnes and Maddy Underwood did not play.

Against the alums, GCU won 2-0 with set scores of 25-17 and 25-11.

Friemoth, Posse, Ausmus, Muys, Megan Davis, Johannsen and Phelps got the start against the alums.

Including the intrasquad set, Friemoth led with 13 kills and Muys had 11. Phelps led with 21 digs. Muys had five blocks. Gosciminski and Muys each had two service aces.

"It was unreal," said Phelps of Saturday's fan support. "It really pumped all of us up, great support from the student body."
Among the alums in attendance, including the GCU coaching staff of Naber and assistants Megan Taylor, Whitney Estes and trainer Aubrie Carter, were, Kristen Preach, Sydney McDowell, Brooke Blomenkamp, Tommyka Henry, Vicky Bauler, Sara Bowden, Robin McDowell, Nat Waddell, Charise Moore, Sandi Salazar, Angela Brown, Tracy White, Laura Hartman, Kim Gabriel, Audra Slemmer, Jennifer Shuksta, Angela Hall, Cathy Neville, Megan Johnson and Mandy Mace.

The regular season opens Aug. 30 at the Wildcat Invitational in Ogden, Utah. GCU opens against host Weber State and takes on Texas Tech on Aug. 31.

"I think we saw some bright spots and some areas to focus on the next few days," said Naber of the team's performance.

Added Phelps: "I thought we did well for an exhibition match. We have a lot to work on and we know what we have to work on."