Horton double-double paces win

Thursday, September 26

Chicago, Ill.

5 p.m.

Grand Canyon

11-2

Chicago State

4-11

Grand Canyon

Chicago St.

9/26/2019 6:39:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score

GCU downs Chicago State in 3 sets

By: Sarah Woodward

CHICAGO – The Grand Canyon women's volleyball team opened its WAC schedule on a high note with a three-set win over Chicago State on Thursday night at the Jacoby Dickens Center. The Lopes (11-2, 1-0 WAC) drove past the Cougars (4-11, 0-1 WAC) for a road win in straight sets, 25-21, 25-20 and 25-22.

"It feels good to get the first conference win under our belt," GCU head coach Tim Nollan said. "We definitely need to keep improving. We had some unforced errors that we will address in practice over the weekend as we prepare for Kansas City on Monday night.

"We're glad to be 1-0, but our team standards are higher than just victory."

The GCU effort was paced by a double-double from senior outside hitter Melody Horton, who tallied 10 kills, 12 digs and three total blocks on the night. Lopes junior outside hitter Yeny Murillo had a game-high 11 kills, while junior opposite Sarah Hagge added seven kills and three total blocks.

"The win tonight definitely feels really good knowing we're one of the few teams in the WAC with one," Hagge said. "I thought we all played well and if there was ever a hiccup, someone different would step up every time. Our ability to work together and persevere is what I love about this team."

Tied 8-8 in the first set, GCU went on a 6-0 run for a hefty 14-8 lead. After a Chicago State timeout, the Cougars tied the game, 18-18, but GCU used a 7-3 run to close out the first-set win, 25-21.

GCU had trouble getting started in the second set, as the Lopes and Cougars were tied eight times with 13-13 being the final knot before GCU pulled away, 19-15. The Cougars called a timeout to talk it over, but the Lopes continued the push and claimed the set, 25-20.

The pair were knotted, 4-4, early in the third set before a 9-0 GCU run fueled momentum for the Lopes, who went ahead 13-4. Chicago State halted the momentum and cut it to 16-13, but GCU pushed forward to claim the third set, 25-22, and the match.

Lopes freshman setter Klaire Mitchell had a double-double with 27 assists and 18 digs while sophomore middle blocker Annabelle Kubinski led GCU at the net with four total blocks.

The Lopes continue the conference road trip in Kansas City, where GCU faces the Roos on Monday at 5 p.m. (Phoenix time).