GCU falls to No. 6 Hawai'i in three sets

Friday, January 13

Honolulu, HI

10 p.m.

Grand Canyon

1-3

Hawai'i

5-0

Grand Canyon

Hawai'i

1/13/2017 11:00:00 PM | Men's Volleyball

Box Score

By: Samantha Fell

HONOLULU – The GCU men's volleyball team was defeated by the No. 6 Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors on Friday night. Hawai'i took the match in straight sets by scores of 25-16, 25-16, and 25-20. Grand Canyon's record falls to 1-3 for the season while Hawai'i remains undefeated at 5-0.

The Lopes were led by outside hitter Shalev Saada. Saada tallied nine kills and five digs to lead GCU in both categories. Will Schwob added six kills and three digs for the match and libero Sky Engleman also recorded five digs.

After playing three competitive sets on Wednesday evening, GCU was unable to reach the same level of intensity in the second matchup. The Lopes fell behind early in all three sets and were unable to recover due to errors and efficient play by the Rainbow Warriors. Hawai'i had an impressive night offensively, knocking down 43 kills with only 13 errors.

Blocking was a strong suit for GCU during the contest. The Lopes notched seven team blocks and four different players had two blocks. Middle hitters Ashton King and Drew Silbernagel each had two in addition to setter Michael Milstein and Saada.

Next up, the Lopes will return to the mainland for their home opener against Lindenwood on Friday, Jan. 20. GCU will again face off with Lindenwood on Saturday, Jan. 21. Both contests will be played in Antelope Gymnasium and begin at 6 p.m. MST.