Lopes close weekend with win

Saturday, February 15

Phoenix, Ariz.

4 p.m.

Grand Canyon

10-3,2-1MPSF

Ottawa

1-1

Ottawa (AZ)

Grand Canyon

2/15/2020 6:46:00 PM | Men's Volleyball

Box Score Photo Gallery

GCU takes down Ottawa 3-1 at Antelope Gymnasium

By: Cassidy Mace

The Grand Canyon men's volleyball picked up a four-set nonconference win over Ottawa on Saturday at Antelope Gymnasium.

The Lopes (10-3) took down the Spirit 25-22, 25-14, 22-25, 25-22 with freshman outside hitter Grayson Browning coming off the bench to lead the team with eight kills in the match. He also recorded one ace, one dig and one block against Ottawa (8-4)

"That was the first time I've played two sets in a match this season," Browning said. "I was just focusing on the fundamentals, trying to work as a team and win the game."

Sophomore setter Tanner Petchul led GCU in assists (20) and digs (9), while senior middle blocker Caleb Blazer recorded three blocks as well as six kills. Sophomore opposite Hugo Fischer and freshman outside hitter Camden Gianni each recorded six kills as well, with Gianni serving a team-high three aces.

The Lopes got off to a slow start in the first set, falling behind 7-5. GCU bounced back with a 7-1 run to regain the lead at 12-8, staying in front for the remainder of the set. The Spirit battled back, but GCU was able to take the first set 25-22.

After a 12-12 tie in the second set, Gianni led the Lopes to a five-point run that included three service aces from the Carlsbad, California, native. The Spirit broke up the run with a point after a time out, but GCU continued to dominate the set. Browning recorded four kills in a seven-point run that set the Lopes up to take a 24-13 lead. Ottawa tacked on one more point before falling 25-14.

GCU fell behind early in the third set, trailing 11-6 to the Spirit. The Lopes battled, catching up at 16-16 after senior outside hitter Jack Burton's back-to-back service aces. Ottawa regained the lead and finished a 25-22 set win.

The Lopes came out stronger in the fourth set, pulling ahead 12-8. Ottawa battled, but was unable to take the lead as GCU powered through for a 25-22 win.

GCU continues its four-match homestand on Friday against No. 8 UCLA. The Lopes return to GCU Arena for the 6 p.m. match.

"I'm excited for the crowd," Browning said. "Hopefully, we'll get a good amount of people in the arena. It should be a good matchup and hopefully we'll come out with a win."