GCU posts 2 wins at Red-Blue Invite in Tucson

Friday, February 20

Tucson, Ariz.

9 a.m.

Grand Canyon

Oregon

Photo by: Tyler Killgore

2/23/2026 12:11:00 PM | Women's Tennis

Box Score 1 Box Score 2 Box Score 3

Lopes defeat Tulsa, strong Oregon team, fall to ranked Texas Tech

By: Tyler Killgore

TUCSON, Ariz. - Grand Canyon headed to Tucson this weekend to take on premier competition in the Red-Blue Invite.

The Lopes started the weekend with a great win against Oregon defeating the Ducks 4-2. They then lost to the 32nd-ranked Texas Tech before finishing off the weekend with a 4-0 win against Tulsa.

GCU 4, Oregon 2

GCU started off the weekend with a bang by taking down a competitive Oregon team.

After dropping the doubles point and a rain delay, the Lopes came back in singles to get yet another comeback win for this squad.

After losing on Court 6 and going down 2-0, sophomore Gala Arangio had a decisive win against Patsy Daughters 6-3, 6-3.

Freshman Hams Metwally took care of business on Court 3. The Egypt native won 6-0, 7-6 (8-6)., extending her win streak in singles to four matches.

With the dual match at 2-2, GCU sophomore Bella Crossman picked up the momentum, winning her Court 1 debut 6-0, 1-6, 6-4.

Freshman Amaliu Suciu finished the job for GCU on Court 5. After dropping the first set 6-1, she came back to win 7-6 (7-2) and 6-1 to clinch the team win

GCU 4, Tulsa 0

In their last match of the Red-Blue Invite, GCU dominated the Golden Hurricane.

On Court 1, Crossman defeated Maria Santos 6-1, 6-4 to get the scoring started.

Sophomore Karina Hofbauer was then able to get the next point for GCU. After going down 6-4 n the first set, Hofbauer went on to control the rest of the match easily winning 6-0, 6-2.

After nearly defeating a top ranked opponent last weekend in Alabama, Suciu was able to pick up the singles win against Uta Asakura 6-2, 6-3.

With just one more point needed to clinch, GCU senior Dani Deaifi came through on Court 5 by defeating Erin McKenzie 6-4, 6-1.

"Collectively, we competed very well this weekend," GCU head coach Dané Vorster said. "I have seen a step up in belief and confidence after pushing fourth-ranked Auburn last weekend and 32nd-ranked Texas tech this weekend. We were tough in key moments and comebacks to close-out wins over Oregon and Tulsa, regardless of rain and match delays in between.

"Together, we keep raising the bar and improving our tennis. Being 60th in the nation ranking is just the beginning and a small testament to our focus, professionalism and hard work paying off. We continue to focus on the process and our goal of becoming a top-30 team."

The Lopes come back to Phoenix to play at home for the first time since Jan. 19 when they will face Saint Mary's on Saturday at 11 a.m. at GCU Tennis Facility.