Lopes earn Senior Day sweep

Friday, March 26

Phoenix, Ariz.

3 p.m.

Grand Canyon

Utah

Photo by: Mathew McGraw

3/26/2021 8:43:00 PM | Beach Volleyball

GCU defeats Utah 5-0, wins every set

By: Sierra Smith

In its final home game of the season, the No. 8 Grand Canyon beach volleyball team honored its seven seniors and earned a 5-0 sweep over Utah on Saturday.

"It was a great day honoring a very special group of seniors," GCU head coach Kristen Rohr said. "They have built this program and have gotten it to where it is today. I couldn't be more thankful for each of them and the women they have grown into."

Senior Day Celebration 💜🤘#LopesUp pic.twitter.com/4u4Ek9036D
— GCU Beach Volleyball (@GCU_Beach) March 27, 2021

After honoring seniors Bella Bauman, Paula Hoffmann, Natalie Honzovicova, Taylor Jarzombek, Katie Sarber, Justine Spann and Alyssa Vortouni, the Lopes carried their energy from the celebration to the match against Utah and did not lose a single set.

Lopes dominate Utah 5-0

The match began with a victory on Court 2, where sophomore Teagan DeFalco and freshman Allison Hansen won 21-10 in both sets. On Court 4, senior Taylor Jarzombek and sophomore Madi Relaz defeated the Utes 21-9 in both sets.

Lopes senior pair Natalie Honzovicova and Katie Sarber clinched the dual in their final home game, beating Utah's No. 5 pair 21-11, 21-7.

Freshman Allanis Navas played in the GCU's top flight for the first time this season. She and Bella Bauman won 21-12, 21-16.

The sweep was secured by graduate student Paula Hoffmann and junior Anaya Evans with a 21-10, 21-14 win on Court 3.

"There is still a lot of season left and a lot of work to be done," Rohr said. "We are excited to keep improving each weekend."

The Lopes wrote "#4FlyHigh" on their arms and legs in honor of GCU student-athlete and basketball player Oscar Frayer, who tragically lost his life this week in a car crash.