Lopes season concludes in MW quarterfinals

Wednesday, November 26

Las Vegas, Nev.

2 p.m. (MST)

Grand Canyon

17-13,9-9Mountain West

(4) Boise State

20-10,11-7Mountain West

Grand Canyon

Boise St.

Photo by: Nathan Peters

11/26/2025 5:51:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score

GCU falls to Boise State despite strong play from young core

By: Nathan Peters

Grand Canyon fell in straight sets to Boise State on Wednesday afternoon in Las Vegas, 29–27, 25–22, 29–27 in the first Mountain West tournament competition in school history.

The Lopes posted 43 kills, 63 digs, and 12 blocks while pushing the Broncos deep into each frame.

The team youth shined in the match Wednesday.

"Our underclassmen really carried us through some big points and big moments," GCU head coach Kendra Potts said.

In the opening set, GCU established an early lead behind kills from freshman setter/opposite Bella Nunez. GCU maintained momentum with a series of defensive stops at the net. Nunez delivered multiple swings to regain side-outs and keep the set tied into extra points. GCU had three set-points before Boise pulled ahead and clinched the set 29–27.

Set two opened with Boise State building a cushion, but freshman middle blocker Aubrey Bellus powered an early-set response with three straight kills, followed by a Nunez block that cut the deficit to three.

Nunez continued orchestrating the offense with scoring swings and defensive touches, while GCU's block slowed the Broncos at the pins.

The Lopes closed within two at 24–22 before Boise State converted the final point for the 25–22 second-set decision.

Potts emphasized the value of competing in this setting.

"There's nothing that can replace experience," Potts said. "To be able to play in this environment and have this experience, I think it goes a long way for a hungrier spring, a more purposeful spring, because they understand what it's like."

The third set featured 16 ties and 10 lead changes, with Nunez and Bellus again central to the scoring rhythm.

The Lopes found a lead with a two-play run with a block from freshman Macey Hughes and sophomore Aubrey Goodere along with a Nunez service ace.

Four straight Lopes' blocks to go with a Nunez kill put the Lopes into a 21-17 lead.

Boise State continued its resilience. The Broncos clawed back and won off a kill and GCU attack error.

Boise State closed the final points for the 29–27 finish.

"With us being so upset that we didn't find a way even to push it to four, being right there, I think there's a lot to be excited about while we're still sad that the season comes to an end," Potts said.

Nunez led the Lopes with 13 kills on .360 hitting, 18 assists, 13 digs, and six block assists, while Bellus added nine kills on .333 hitting and a match-high nine block assists. Bella Anderson totaled 13 digs, Taylor Kubacak and Hunter West combined for 20 assists and 16 digs.

For Anaelena Ramirez, Sophia Parlanti and Hayden Goodman, the three seniors have played their last match for the Lopes with a bar being set for future GCU volleyball teams.