Lopes win two games, improve winning streak to five straight

Saturday, February 18

Phoenix, Ariz.

11 a.m.

Grand Canyon

8-5

Benedictine Mesa

6-3

Benedictine

Grand Canyon

Lopes win two games, improve winning streak to five straight

2/18/2017 7:04:00 PM | Men's Volleyball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

By: Samantha Fell

PHOENIX – For the first time this season, the Lopes played two games in one day. GCU swept Benedictine of Mesa and California Lutheran in three sets each to improve their winning streak to five games. The Lopes now have a record of 9-5 for the season and remain towards the top of the conference leaders with a 5-1 mark in MIVA play.

"It is nice to see the program maturing," head coach Matt Werle noted. "In years past, we would have dropped a set or two this weekend. All sixteen eligible players contributed today with substantial court time. We will need depth as we enter the second half of our season."

In the first match of the day against Benedictine, the Lopes didn't waste any time getting started. GCU won by convincing scores of 25-20, 25-14, and 27-25. Thirteen Lopes saw action during the match and nine of them recorded kills. Leading the charge for GCU was Shalev Saada. He recorded 14 kills, three digs, three blocks and two aces. Opposite hitter Matthew Kinnebrew turned in a solid performance of his own, knocking down nine kills and leading the Lopes with six digs. Drake Silbernagel and Cullen Mosher added seven kills each.

The second match, against California Lutheran, held much of the same for the Lopes. GCU again won convincingly by scores of 25-16, 25-14, and 25-20. Twelve different Lopes saw playing time during the match. Kinnebrew came out strong again, leading GCU with 12 kills and four digs. Grand Canyon had a very balanced offensive attack during the match as seven different players had three or more kills.

"We are excited about the weekend ahead with Ohio State," Werle added. "They are a phenomenal team and we are ready for the challenge."

Ohio State comes to Phoenix next weekend for two matches. The Buckeyes are currently ranked No. 1 in the nation and are the defending national champions. Ohio State has won 40 consecutive matches entering the contest with GCU. The first matchup between the Lopes and the Buckeyes will be on Friday, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. in GCU Arena. On Sunday, Feb. 26, the teams will meet again at 1 p.m. in Antelope Gym.