16 Lopes blocks leads to 2nd straight sweep

Saturday, August 30

Phoenix, Ariz.

6 p.m.

Grand Canyon

UT Rio Grande Valley

Photo by: Brayden Stenner/GCU

8/30/2025 9:27:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score Photo Gallery

Nunez delivers 10 kills, 15 assists, 8 digs, 6 blocks in win

By: Nathan Peters

Grand Canyon improved to 2–0 on the season with a straight-set victory over UT Rio Grande Valley at Global Credit Union Arena. The Lopes controlled the net with 16 blocks and a balanced offensive effort for the 25-21, 25-15, 25-15 win.

GCU tallied 35 kills while holding the Vaqueros to a -.040 attack percentage. Lopes freshman Bella Nunez led the way with 10 kills, 15 assists, eight digs and six blocks, while GCU junior outside hitter Anaelena Ramirez tallied seven kills and 19 digs.

In praise of Nunez's two-way role, GCU head coach Kendra Potts said, "I think she's settling into her role, and it's kind of hard being front row and thinking offensively, then back row thinking setting and running the offense. She's doing a good job switching gears, and for our team to have 16 blocks in a three-set match, I'm just so proud of their application on the process. It's really coming together."

GCU sophomore setter Taylor Kubacak chipped in 12 assists, distributing effectively while also contributing defensively.

"Taylor always brings the energy," Potts said. "She's got great communication and does a lot more than just set. She's doing a great job running the offense and complementing what Nunez brings. I'm very appreciative of this team as they're patient in the process and playing really mature volleyball right now."

The Lopes' depth also shined. Graduate student Sophia Parlanti contributed eight kills and three blocks along with fellow graduate transfer with Hayden Goodman leading the match in blocks (10). Freshman Macey Hughes added six kills on .308 hitting with junior libero Bella Anderson steadying the Lopes' serve-receive and added 10 digs.

GCU utilized a 7-2 run to close the second set before also capitalizing on a 5-0 run to clinch the sweep.

"Bella's superpower lies in her serve receive," Potts said. "She gives a calming presence and does things you might not see on the stat sheet. Our block is taking away a lot, but whenever it gets past, Bella plays great defense behind it."

Potts also credited Ramirez and middle blocker Aubrey Goodere, saying "I thought (Ramirez) did a good job fighting through against one of the best liberos I've seen. Younger Ana might have gotten impatient, but she played such a patient game, and it carries over to the other players. With AG (Goodere), the only critique is we need to feed her the ball more. She's been patient and such a great teammate."

Looking ahead, GCU will close out opening weekend on Sunday against Gonzaga, who also is 2-0 on the weekend.

"Gonzaga runs a 5–1 offense and looks to be a really good blocking team," Potts said. "They're strong and balanced offensively, and (Zags head coach) JT (Wenger) is doing a tremendous job with them. Each match is a test, and this is a new scout and a new challenge. It's going to be an exciting match."

GCU and Gonzaga will face off at 2 p.m. in Global Credit Union Arena.