Grand Canyon sand volleyball began its Florida road trip with a 3-2 victory over Florida Gulf Coast at Estero Community Park in Estero, Fla., Thursday.
"We had a good travel day (Wednesday) and the girls came in with the right mind set today," said GCU coach Kris Naber.
The Antelopes improved to 7-3 in duals with the win and will play Florida International Friday as part of the Fiesta at Siesta Key. GCU will play in a pairs tournament Saturday and Sunday at Siesta Key and finish its trip with a dual at Webber International Monday.
Thursday's win came down to No. 2 pairs
Shannon Dugan and
Megan Glennie. Tied 1-1 and trailing by four points in the third set, Dugan/Glennie rallied for a 19-17 third-set win. They split the first two sets 18-21, 21-18.
The dual was tied 1-1 after the No. 4s and No. 5s matches. GCU's No. 4 group of
Kaitlynn Ausmus and
Alex Goodman won 21-11, 21-15.
GCU's other win came from the No. 1 group of
Kelli Dallmann and
Mackenzie Phelps, 21-13, 21-14. Dallmann/Phelps improved to a team-best 13-2 with their eighth straight win.
"They're doing what they've been doing all year," said Naber. "They're controlling matches and taking opponents out of system. When they get started, they don't look back."
In an exhibition match, GCU's No. 6 team of
Brooke Razo and
Kaylee Dombroski won 23-21, 21-11.
"When you're playing five straight days, it's nice to start off with a win," added Naber.
GCU 3, FGCU 2Â