Grand Canyon Defeats Niagara 3-0 to Close Out the GCU Classic

Saturday, September 12

Phoenix, Ariz.

4 p.m.

Grand Canyon

Niagara

Photo by: Darryl Webb

Grand Canyon Defeats Niagara 3-0 to Close Out the GCU Classic

9/12/2015 6:24:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score

PHOENIX – The Grand Canyon University women's volleyball team (2-7) defeated Niagara (3-7) on Saturday, winning the match 3-0.

They opened the match with a 25-21 win before continuing on that success with 25-19 and 25-14 wins in the following sets.

"It was a very successful weekend for both our program and our team as a whole," said head coach Kris Naber. "After the first two weekends and facing some challenges, the girls came into practice this week extremely determined to make changes. It was nice to see those results."

Earning a .393 hitting percentage, sophomore Natalie Tardy led GCU in the match with 14 kills in the second set, while redshirt-sophomore Jordyn Sanchez earned 13 kills. Freshman Haley Glass had four service aces during the match and led GCU in digs.

"Natalie, Jordyn, and Katrice Pond gave us the offense that we needed from pin-to-pin, explained Naber. "Haley and Emily Vitel did a great job in the back court. It was really nice to see Leigh Stonerook come in and provide some serves to get the teams out of system this weekend."

"I think something that we will focus on this week is getting our middles more involved," Naber continued. "It was especially nice to see the entire group be a part of the matches this weekend. Our bench was extremely supportive of our girls on the floor, giving feedback and providing energy."

GCU had a .295 hitting percentage during the match and totally 44 kills, 52 digs, and 40 assists—32 of which were attributed to sophomore Michelle Steagall.
"I think it gives a little bit of an insight as to where this group is capable of going," concluded Naber. "We're excited to get back in the gym next week and prepare for next weekend's home tournament."

The Lopes will continue their seven game home stand next weekend, Sept. 18-20, in their second tournament of the season. They will open with a single match on Friday at 6 p.m. against UC Riverside, before taking on Northern Arizona on Saturday at 6 p.m. They will close out the tournament on Sunday a 1 p.m. against Boise State. A full schedule as well as live stats and a full recap will be available at www.gculopes.com.