GCU wins 3rd consecutive WAC tourney title

Saturday, April 19

Dallas, Texas / Styslinger / Altec Tennis Complex

8 a.m.

Grand Canyon

UT Arlington

Photo by: WAC

4/19/2025 1:28:00 PM | Women's Tennis

Box Score

Vorster takes reins of program, rebuilds roster, wins title in 1st season

DALLAS — The Grand Canyon women's tennis team captured its third consecutive WAC Tournament championship on Saturday with a dominant 4-0 win over UT Arlington at Styslinger Altec Tennis Complex, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

First-year head coach Dané Vorster took the reins of the Lopes program in June and rapidly rebuilt a GCU roster with only two returning players to win 13 matches, claim another conference title and head back to the NCAA Tournament. GCU did not lose a singles match or doubles point in two consecutive WAC Tournaments.

"Very happy to continue the legacy and culture of winning at GCU and more to come," Vorster said. "Just so proud of this team with a very new team, lots of freshmen. Many arrived in January and just really stood up to the challenge and got it straight away. I'm very proud of how we've grown and improved and got to this."

The Lopes (13-10) set the tone early by winning the doubles point behind victories at the top two courts. The No. 1 duo of sophomore Gala Arangio and freshman Karina Hofbauer secured a 6-4 win, while freshman Bella Crossman and junior Dania Deaifi added a 6-3 victory at No. 2.

In singles, GCU quickly closed the door.

Deaifi, named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, opened singles play with a dominant 6-1, 6-2 win at No. 4. Crossman followed with a 6-3, 6-2 victory at No. 3, and Arangio clinched the championship with a commanding 6-3, 6-1 performance on Court 2.

"Gala Arangio today — she clinched the match," Vorster said. "She's been so solid at No. 2 singles for us and No. 1 doubles. Very consistent. Just a hell of a competitor."

The Lopes were well represented on the WAC All-Tournament Team, with Arangio, Crossman, Hofbauer and Deaifi earning honors. Deaifi, one of two returning players, became the second straight GCU player to win the WAC Tournament's top individual award.

"We believed," Vorster said. "We believed, and we made it happen. We played really focused and tough, disciplined tennis and together. A real great team effort."

The Lopes will have a lengthy wait to find their NCAA Tournament destination and opponent, with the selection show set for Monday, April 28, at 2 p.m. (Phoenix time) on NCAA.com.