Grand Canyon University Athletics
Grand Canyon
1-2
Hawai'i
4-0
GCU comes up short against No. 6 Hawai'i
1/11/2017 11:46:00 PM | Men's Volleyball
HONOLULU – The Lopes gave Hawai'i, one of the best teams in men's volleyball, all they could handle on Wednesday night. GCU was narrowly defeated in three sets by scores of 24-26, 21-25, and 23-25. Grand Canyon falls to 1-2 on the season while the Rainbow Warriors improve to 4-0. Both teams will face off again on Friday evening.
"We battled tonight," head coach Matt Werle stated. "We are pleased with our effort but we can't leave as many plays out there. Hawai'i is a very big and physical team and we didn't match their elevation tonight."
The Lopes had another balanced offensive attack during the match. Ashton King and Shalev Saada each notched seven kills to lead GCU. Libero Sky Engleman headed the defense with a game-high 12 digs.
GCU held the lead throughout the majorities of Sets 2 and 3. The Lopes were out-hit by Hawai'i as they recorded 36 kills compared to 48 for the Rainbow Warriors. Despite this difference, GCU was able to capitalize on Hawai'i miscues throughout the match and led both sets until the final few points.
"Our loss was our play at the end game," Werle added. "We got a little tight from the service line and in serve receive."
Sophomore Will Schwob took advantage of his first action this season by knocking down five kills on 13 attempts. Middle Drake Silbernagel continued his efficient play by adding five kills on eight attempts with zero errors. Luke Turner also chipped in five kills and five digs during the match.
The Lopes will rest for one day before returning to the Stan Sherriff Center court for a rematch with Hawai'i beginning at 10:05 p.m. MST on Friday, Jan. 13.
