GCU back on track with win over New Mexico

Friday, March 27

Phoenix, Ariz.

11 a.m.

Grand Canyon

Air Force

Photo by: David Kadlubowski

3/30/2026 10:14:00 AM | Women's Tennis

Box Score 1 Box Score 2 Photo Gallery

Lopes split the weekend with a tough first match against Air Force, bounce back on Sunday

By: Tyler Killgore

Grand Canyon split the last weekend with home matches against Air Force and New Mexico. After a tough loss against the Falcons, the Lopes were able to rally back and take care of the Lobos.

GCU loses thriller to Air Force

Despite a late push, GCU lost in a 3-1 comeback against the Falcons on Friday in their first of two matches on the weekend.

In doubles play junior Gala Arangio and sophomore Bella Crossman got their second win of the year together, winning 6-3 over number 83 ranked Abby Cotuna and Sofia Mavor. The Falcons secured the doubles point in a tiebreaker on Court 2.

In singles Air Force got off to a quick start in singles play taking a swift point on Court 5.

Down 2-0, Arangio was able to get a much-needed point for the Lopes defeating Sofia Mavor 6-1, 6-2.

Yule Kang for the Falcons was then able to extend the lead for the Falcons 3-1.

Sophomore Karina Hofbauer was able to give GCU some hope after taking over on Court 2 securing the 6-3, 6-3 win. This win put Hofbauer's record to 5-5 on the year.

Crossman battled all match with two huge comebacks in her match. After going down 4-0 in the first match she was able to rally and win six straight games, winning the first set 6-4.

Crossman ultimately lost in a heart breaker in the final set losing 7-6 (7-3 tiebreaker).

GCU defeats Lobos

In their second game of the weekend, the Lopes were able to defeat the Lobos in quick fashion. Despite losing an intense doubles point, GCU was able to come back without losing a singles point. With the singles court dominance they secured a 4-1 victory.

In doubles, senior Dani Deaifi and Hofbauer were able to cruise their way to victory on Court 2. They defeated the Lobos 6-2 before New Mexico secured the doubles point.

Freshman Amalia Suciu got the first point for the Lopes over on Court 5. In her win she only lost two games total, winning 6-1 in straight sets.

Deaifi extended the lead for the Lopes defeating Yu Yun Kathy Tsai 6-3, 6-3. With the win Deafi extended her record this year on Court 4 to 5-2.

Crossman was the next Lope to secure a singles point. On Court 1 the Australian had a tough battle in the first set eventually winning 6-4, before controlling the second set 6-0.

On Court 5 Arangio looked to clinch the match for the Lopes. The junior took over easily, winning both sets 6-2. With this win it brings her record to 7-5 on the season.

"Props to our team that was able to bounce back from a disappointing loss earlier this weekend and the doubles point today." Said GCU head coach Dane Vorster. "We regrouped and found our level of tennis and competitiveness again."

The Lopes hit the road this week heading to Nevada as they will take on the Wolf pack in Reno, before taking on the Rebels in Las Vegas.