Grand Canyon University Athletics
Friday, January 6
Irvine, CA
8 p.m.
Grand Canyon
at
UC Irvine
Men's volleyball opens 2017 campaign in California
1/4/2017 12:05:00 PM | Men's Volleyball
PHOENIX – The Grand Canyon men's volleyball team kicks off the 2017 season this weekend against two non-conference opponents. The Lopes begin a year of tough competition by facing No. 8 UC Irvine on Friday, Jan. 6. GCU will then travel to play UC San Diego on Saturday, Jan. 7.
Last season, the Lopes ended with a 17-12 record, the best in program history. Head coach Matt Werle has high expectations for the squad this year. Werle hired two coaches, assistants Troy Dueling and AJ Nally, in the offseason. He also added ten new players to the roster and believes that they will have a balanced attack and play great team volleyball.
"As we wrap up our preseason practices, you can tell the guys are excited to play someone else," Werle noted. "This roster of 22 has created a dedicated culture on and off the court. We are ready as a team for the grind of the season ahead of us."
Scouting UC Irvine
UC Irvine enters the season ranked as the 8th best team in the nation. This will be the first meeting between the Anteaters and the Lopes. Werle believes that the contest will be an early test for GCU and respects UC Irvine's long standing history of success.
"We will have a number of opportunities this year to face Top 10 teams and we are excited," Werle commented. "This is the toughest strength of schedule this program has ever faced. UC Irvine will be playing their fourth match of the season and it will be our first. We have been working heavily on our mental toughness and training that it is good to be nervous, which is expected with a first match. We want to thrive on the slight nervousness and the adrenaline."
Scouting UC San Diego
Last season, GCU swept UC San Diego in three matches to earn its second win of the season. The Tritons finished their 2016 campaign with a 5-23 record and return three key starters from that team. Grand Canyon has faced off against the Tritons for the past three years and both teams have taken turns with victories.
"They are a good program and well coached," Werle said. "They are taking strong steps forward to success. I expect four and five set matches this weekend and it will come down to serving and passing."
Last season, the Lopes ended with a 17-12 record, the best in program history. Head coach Matt Werle has high expectations for the squad this year. Werle hired two coaches, assistants Troy Dueling and AJ Nally, in the offseason. He also added ten new players to the roster and believes that they will have a balanced attack and play great team volleyball.
"As we wrap up our preseason practices, you can tell the guys are excited to play someone else," Werle noted. "This roster of 22 has created a dedicated culture on and off the court. We are ready as a team for the grind of the season ahead of us."
Scouting UC Irvine
UC Irvine enters the season ranked as the 8th best team in the nation. This will be the first meeting between the Anteaters and the Lopes. Werle believes that the contest will be an early test for GCU and respects UC Irvine's long standing history of success.
"We will have a number of opportunities this year to face Top 10 teams and we are excited," Werle commented. "This is the toughest strength of schedule this program has ever faced. UC Irvine will be playing their fourth match of the season and it will be our first. We have been working heavily on our mental toughness and training that it is good to be nervous, which is expected with a first match. We want to thrive on the slight nervousness and the adrenaline."
Scouting UC San Diego
Last season, GCU swept UC San Diego in three matches to earn its second win of the season. The Tritons finished their 2016 campaign with a 5-23 record and return three key starters from that team. Grand Canyon has faced off against the Tritons for the past three years and both teams have taken turns with victories.
"They are a good program and well coached," Werle said. "They are taking strong steps forward to success. I expect four and five set matches this weekend and it will come down to serving and passing."
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