Lopes Battle in Four-Set Match Against Aggies

Thursday, October 8

Phoenix, Ariz.

6 p.m.

Grand Canyon

2-14, 0-4

New Mexico State

14-5, 4-0

New Mexico State

Grand Canyon

Photo by: Darryl Webb

10/8/2015 9:33:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score

PHOENIX – The Grand Canyon University women's volleyball team (2-14, 0-4) competed in a four set match against the Western Athletic Conference leader New Mexico State (14-15, 4-0) tonight in Antelope Gymnasium.

The match opened with a pair of close 25-22 set wins for the Aggies, but the Lopes responded in the third with a strong 25-17 win to force the fourth. New Mexico State won the final set 25-19.

"A loss is disappointing and not what we set out to do at any time, however I was pleased with how we competed tonight," said head coach Kris Naber. "New Mexico State is a seasoned team with a lot of experience on the court and I like the pressure we put on them at times."

The Lopes had a strong effort at the net tonight, earning three solo blocks and 16 block assists. Seven out of 11 athletes on the court contributed to the total. Sophomores Gracie Dimond and Hannah Hicks led the field with five blocks apiece. Dimond earned two solo blocks and three block assists, while Hicks tallied five block assists.

"Our defensive game, both at the net and back court was disciplined and very encouraging to see it start to click and the energy throughout the match from the entire group," continued Naber.

Freshman Melody Horton snagged 10 kills during the match, beating her season record of nine that she tallied against both Portland and Northern Arizona. Horton also earned three service aces and sophomore Randahl Powers had three aces as well. The team had nine service aces to New Mexico State's three.

Powers was the setter for tonight's game, picking up 31 assists. At libero, freshman Haley Glass led GCU with 20 digs.

"We've got some positives to build off of heading into practice tomorrow and our match on Saturday," concluded Naber.

Grand Canyon will continue their season this Saturday, Oct. 10 in Antelope Gymnasium at 1 p.m. For fans, unable to attend, live stats, live video, and a full recap will be available at www.gculopes.com.