Perfect weekend highlights homestand

Friday, March 9

Phoenix, Ariz.

5 p.m.

Grand Canyon

New Mexico

3/10/2018 5:33:00 PM | Beach Volleyball

Lopes go perfect 5-0 in all three matches in the sand

By: Fletcher Like

After a learning experience in the first weekend of the season, the Lopes have taken five consecutive matches in a row, dropping just one dual in the process. On the weekend, the Lopes won 15 duals, sweeping New Mexico on Friday and Abilene Christian and Grossmont on Saturday.

"We had some people step up in some different spots this weekend with some injuries and illnesses popping up in our team," head coach Kristen Rohr said. "I was proud of how we were able to stay in control and how each pairing was able to take care of the ball on our side of the net."

In the Friday night matchup against New Mexico, the Lopes took care of business from the beginning. GCU won the first set in four of the five duals, winning all five duals in the match.

The number one pairing of Kelli Iverson and Molly Turner continued their winning ways with 21-14 and 21-18 set score wins over the Lobos.

Jessica Clark and Katie Pyles, the number two pairing, dropped the first set of their dual with New Mexico 23-25 but bounced back to win the final two sets, and the match, 21-12 and 15-10.

Taylor Jarzombek and Hannah Towne continued to use the chemistry they have created this season to win their dual in the number three pairing, 21-12, 21-12.

Madi Relaz and Bella Bauman took care of their dual as well, in the number four spot 21-15, 21-14.

Emily Reinking and Jamie Walsh took care of business as well in the five spot, holding their opponent to single digits and a total of just 10 points in the dual, 21-6 and 21-4.

With some shaking up to the pairs in the matches against Abilene Christian and Grossmont, the Lopes swept the day, winning ten duals and 20 consecutive sets.

"We stayed aggressive and consistent this weekend," Rohr said. We are really excited to get on the road for the first time this season and play some great competition in Hawaii."

The Lopes head to Hawaii for a three days of competition spanning from March 17-19 and will play against USC for the second time this season as well as against Hawaii twice and Nebraska three times.