Grand Canyon Loses, 3-1, at Hope International

The Grand Canyon University men’s volleyball team lost 1-3 to Hope International University today in Fullerton, Calif.

It was a close match for the  ‘Lopes losing the first two sets 23-25 and 22-25. The first set had nine tie scores and three lead changes before Hope International grabbed the set. Again in the second there were five tie scores and three lead changes but ended in favor of the opponents. The men came back strong and won the third set 25-22 after 14 tie scores and six lead changes. Hope International came out strong in the fourth set and beat the ‘Lopes 19-25.

Even with the loss, this is the best blocking game Grand Canyon has had so far this season, totaling 11.5 team blocks for the match. Junior middle Taylor Galliano (Norco, CA/Foothill, Irvine Valley) had two solo blocks and three block assists.

Leading the offense in kills was freshman Ben Ponnet (Merchtem, Belgium/OLVC) with 17 and freshman Ben Hunt (Huntignton Beach, CA/Servite) had 10. Hunt also reached a personal best 6 digs, 1 block solo and 2 block assists. Freshman setter Keith Smith (Whittier, CA/California) and sophomore setter Brad Moore (Orange, CA/Orange Lutheran) split the match evenly with two games each and 20 assists each.

Grand Canyon will face California Baptist tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. in Riverside, Calif.