PHOENIX – The GCU men's volleyball team faces a tough challenge this weekend as it hosts two matches against No. 8 Ball State. Grand Canyon returns to MIVA conference play against the league-leading Cardinals on Friday, March 4 and Saturday, March 5. The Lopes are 9-7 overall and 2-4 in the MIVA.
"Ball State has been winning some very tough matches," head coach
Matt Werle noted. "They are battle tested and finding ways to succeed in very difficult situations."
Ball State is currently on a 10-game winning streak and leads the MIVA with a perfect 7-0 record. The team is 13-3 overall and head coach Joel Walton is in his 17th season with the Cardinals. Brendan Surane and Mitch Weiler lead the offensive attack for Ball State as both outside hitters have amassed over 100 kills for the season. Setter Hiago Garchet runs the offense with 519 assists and libero Adam Wessel has recorded a team-high 94 digs throughout the year.
Last season, GCU split matches with Ball State. The Lopes stole a tough five-set match from the Cardinals in Muncie, Ind., and then were defeated in three sets on the following night. Ball State was ranked No. 12 at the time and Grand Canyon utilized great performances from
Michael Milstein,
Gerrard Lipscombe,
Christian Ward,
Ashton King and
Shalev Saada to defeat them.
All five players return this season and will look to help the Lopes upset Ball State. Lipscombe leads GCU with 153 kills this year while Saada follows closely behind with 101. Ward has started every match this season and has added 41 blocks, second on the team to King's 58. Milstein has continued to effectively run the offense and leads the team with 380 assists.
"We will have to play tough, intelligent, and disciplined volleyball," Werle added. "We must have the willingness to fight for each and every single point."
Both matches will be played at Antelope Gym and begin at 6 p.m.