GCU Knocks Off Two-Time Defending WAC Champ New Mexico State

Saturday, October 25

Antelope Gymnasium

1 p.m.

Grand Canyon

14-9, 4-6

New Mexico State

12-9, 6-3

New Mexico State

Grand Canyon

Freshman Hannah Hicks and sophomore Megan Byrnes (19) celebrate a GCU point during Saturday's 3-2 victory over New Mexico State.

Photo by: Darryl Webb

GCU Knocks Off Two-Time Defending WAC Champ New Mexico State

10/25/2014 5:26:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score

Antelopes Take On WAC Leader Kansas City Next Saturday

Grand Canyon knocked off two-time defending Western Athletic Conference champion New Mexico State, 3-2, at Antelope Gymnasium Saturday.

The Antelopes won by set scores of 25-22, 25-23, 23-25, 21-25, 15-11. Down 10-9 in the fifth, GCU (14-9, 4-6) scored six of the last seven points. At 13-11, GCU wrapped up the match on back-to-back kills from Megan Byrnes and Shannon Dugan.

Dugan was one of four Antelopes to record double-doubles. She had 22 kills and 16 digs and hit for a .246 average (22-6-65). It was her second double-double of the week. She had 21 kills and 12 digs in a four-set win over Texas-Pan American Thursday. Frosh Natalie Tardy led all attackers with 24 kills and added 16 digs. Sophomore setter Michelle Steagall had 43 assists and a career-high 16 digs. Senior libero Mackenzie Phelps had 31 digs, including 14 in the second set, and a career-best 11 assists.

"I'm so proud of this group. Total credit goes to them," said GCU coach Kris Naber. "That shows so much maturity from a group that keeps growing and gaining experience.
"We were put in so many pressure situations and we chose to raise our level and win the battle."

The Antelopes were in control early. The first two sets had just four ties and two lead changes; all but one tie came in the first set. There were 23 ties, including 14 in the fourth set, and 12 lead changes in the third and fourth and eight more ties and three lead changes in the fifth.

"This is a huge win for our program and university," added Naber. "They're the two-time WAC champions and an established program. We have a ton of respect for them."

Freshman defensive specialist Emily Vitel had 16 digs to give the Lopes five players in double figures. Sophomore middle blocker Hannah Hankins had a match-best six block assists. Frosh middle Hannah Hicks and Byrnes each had five. Hicks also added seven kills. Hankins led GCU with two service aces.

Both teams had 63 kills. New Mexico State led in digs (99-97), blocks (13-11.5) and service aces (6-5). The Antelopes hit for a better percentage (.176-.157) and had less service errors (5-7).

"The girls knew what they were up against today and came out to battle," said Naber. "They made the choice to work hard and they showed how hard they were willing to work when we got to the fifth set."

GCU plays its final road match Nov. 1 against WAC leader Kansas City at 5 p.m. (Arizona Time). Live links to coverage will be available at www.gculopes.com.

GCU 3, NMSU 2