GCU tops Tarleton in 7th consecutive sweep

Saturday, September 30

Phoenix, Ariz.

2 p.m.

Grand Canyon

11-4,4-0WAC

Tarleton

11-7,2-2WAC

Tarleton St.

Grand Canyon

9/30/2023 5:25:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score

Lopes move to 4-0 in WAC play after Mitchell records 30 assists, 8 digs

By: Adrianna Candelaria

Grand Canyon matched its seven-game sweep streak of 2022 with a 25-19, 25-17, 25-19 victory over Tarleton at GCU Arena on Saturday afternoon.

The Lopes' 11th sweep of the season brings their WAC record to 4-0 and keeps them even with Stephen F. Austin's (15-3, 4-0 WAC) atop the conference while creating breathing room between themselves and California Baptist (10-5, 3-1 WAC).

"Today was a good performance against a well-coached team," GCU head coach Tim Nollan said. "Tarleton pushed us and definitely gave us things that we will have to work on."

Graduate setter Klaire Mitchell (30 assists, eight digs) guided the Lopes to a commanding .364 hitting percentage for the team's eighth consecutive match with an offensive line at .300 or better.

"When it comes to Klaire, all I can say is wow, and Tatum P (Parrott) puts points on the board. " Nollan said of the sophomore outside hitter. "They are special talents, and it's fun to watch them shine."

Parrott (.286 hitting) led the Lopes with 12 kills and three service aces for 15.5 points, while senior outside hitter Ashley Lifgren and sophomore middle blocker Trista Strasser notched 10 points each on solid attacking and blocking. Lifgren (.400) posted nine kills and three block assists, as Strasser (.700) recorded a season-best 10 points from seven kills and a team-high six block assists.

Ahead 2-0 in the match and 11-8 in the third set, Stasser burried her final ball of the game and was followed by an outstanding rally kept alive by a diving Lifgren save, and finished with a Lifgren kill for a 13-9 Lopes lead.

"Trista had a great night on both sides of the ball," Nollan said. "But Lifgren going head first into the scorer's table really showcases the type of hustle and drive this team has."

GCU held the Texans (11-7, 2-2 WAC) to a .165 hitting percentage, tallying eight blocks to Tarleton's three, and eight aces to Tarleton's five. Junior outside hitter Stella Gkiourda led the Lopes at the service line with a season-best five aces. Prior to Saturday's match, GCU ranked fifth in the nation in aces per set (2.29) and 12th in aces (112) to also lead the WAC in both categories.

"Stella was able to produce an incredible amount of pressure with those five aces," Nollan said.

GCU sophomore libero Tatum Thomas delivered a team high of nine digs, and was credited with three assists.

The Lopes head out on another road stretch, beginning with UT Arlington (13-4, WAC 2-2) on Thursday before going to Stephen F. Austin on Saturday, UT Rio Grande Valley (9-8, WAC 3-1), on Oct. 12, and CBU on Oct. 16. GCU returns home on Oct. 19 to host Utah Valley (4-11, WAC 1-3).