In its 10th five-set match of the season, Grand Canyon defeated NJIT 3-2 at Antelope Gymnasium Friday.
The Antelopes (13-13) are 5-5 in the five-setters, defeating the Highlanders by set scores of 25-19, 20-25, 25-15, 23-25, 15-13.
"Overall, I was disappointed how we played in the sets we lost," said GCU coach Jeremy Price. "We got out-worked and they competed harder in the sets we lost. We survived an inconsistent night."
GCU had four players with double-figure kills. Middle blockers
Connor Dougherty and
Keaton Berry combined to hit .511 (27-5-43). Dougherty had 15 kills (15-3-24, .500) and a match-best nine block assists. Berry had 12 (12-2-19, .556) and was part of three blocks. Senior outside hitter
Ben Ponnet had a match-best 19 kills to go with nine digs.
Andrew Muys added 11 kills.
"I really liked what our middles did tonight," said Price.
Libero
Jared Morrison had a career-high 19 digs.
"Jared was really good defensively," added Price. "A lot of his digs came at important times of the match to extend rallies."
GCU out-hit NJIT 64-51 in kills and .293 to .162 in accuracy. The Antelopes won the battle of blocks 12-7, but a season nemesis, service errors, helped keep the Highlanders in the match. GCU had 18 errors and three aces, while NJIT had seven aces and nine errors.
GCU senior setter
Keith Smith had 52 assists and eight digs. Tanner Maxwell had five kills, seven digs and was part of three block assists. Ponnet had a pair of service aces.
"We played well for half of the match," said Price. "We have to play well for the whole match (Saturday)."
The teams meet again Saturday at 4 p.m. at Antelope Gymnasium. Fans unable to attend can follow the match with live links at www.gculopes.com.
GCU 3, NJIT 2Â