Phoenix, Ariz.- Traveling just about 12 miles away from campus, Arizona Christian faced off with NCAA Division I Grand Canyon on Friday evening. The Firestorm put forth a good effort against the Lopes- ranked fifth in NCAA DI.
Match Info
- Match score: Grand Canyon- 3, Arizona Christian- 0
- Set 1: GCU 25-12
- Set 2: GCU 25-20
- Set 3: GCU 25-21
- Records: Arizona Christian- 1-1, Grand Canyon- 11-0
- NAIA Top 10 Rank: Arizona Christian - not ranked, Grand Canyon- not NAIA
- Location: GCU Arena, Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ
ACU Stats
Inside the Box Score
- The Lopes scored before the Firestorm scored the next four (kill and service ace by Johannesen)
- GCU scored the next seven points to take control of the set
- Falling behind 2-0 in the second set, Mayfield delivered a kill and a block with Beck for a 2-2 tie
- Fast forward to the end of the set and ACU was behind just 20-18 after a Johannesen ace
- ACU led 1-0, 2-1, 3-2, 4-3, and 5-4 to begin the third set
- GCU moved ahead with a 4-0 run
- Once again the Firestorm fought back to force a 20-18 score
- But GCU outscored ACU 5-3 to close the match
- Friday was the first match ever against a NCAA Division I school for ACU
Thoughts from Coach Bruns
"When you face the No. 5-ranked team in the country you have to be prepared to battle. First set we were very nervous and then settled in. Proud of the way Nate and Chris contributed tonight especially in sets 2 and 3. Very comparable to our conference so that gets me excited for the year."
Up Next
On Tuesday, the Firestorm will celebrate Valentine's Day by facing No. 2 NAIA ranked Benedictine-Mesa. The teams will meet at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.
