Lopes Fall Short in Season Opener

Friday, August 28

Lincoln, Neb.

2:30 p.m.

Grand Canyon

0-1

Pittsburgh

1-0

Pitt

GCU

Photo by: Darryl Webb

8/28/2015 7:11:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score

Will face Nebraska and Tulsa tomorrow

LINCOLN, Neb. – The Grand Canyon University women's volleyball team fell to Pittsburgh 3-0 today to open the regular season at the Nebraska Invite.

In today's match, GCU fell short 25-22, 25-16, 25-14 to the Panthers.

"We competed pretty well in the first set against Pitt," said head coach Kris Naber. "Our ball control off of our serve reception was a solid part of our game today and we made some good moves on defense. Unfortunately, our offense didn't capitalize on the first ball contact and our block didn't put enough pressure on Pitt's offense."

Grand Canyon opened the match with a strong performance in the opening set, rallying from a five-point deficit to tie the match at 13-13. The team fell just short 25-22. Redshirt-sophomore Jordyn Sanchez earned two service aces during the set.

Redshirt-junior Megan Byrnes earned seven kills during the match while sophomore Hannah Hicks picked up six. Junior Michelle Steagall recorded 14 assists and 12 digs during the competition.

"This group is pretty scrappy and relentless," continued Naber. "It was exciting to see some of the plays made tonight."

GCU tallied a total of seven blocks, including a solo block by newcomer Katrice Pond.

"With each match, these girls will grow and learn, both about themselves and each other and that the only limitations we have are ones we set," said Naber. "We'll get back at it tomorrow, looking to compete and be greater than we were today."

The Lopes will continue the competition in Nebraska tomorrow, Aug. 29, with a match against the host team at 10 a.m. and will close out the tournament against Tulsa at 3 p.m. A full recap and live links will be available at www.gculopes.com.