PHOENIX, Ariz. - UTEP volleyball (16-12, 8-8 MW) dropped a three-set decision to Grand Canyon (25-8, 25-15, 25-22) Saturday afternoon at Global Credit Union Arena.
Grand Canyon (17-10, 11-5) seized control early in the opening set, scoring the first nine points and holding UTEP to a -.185 hitting percentage. The Miners were unable to recover from the fast start as the Lopes cruised to a 25-8 win and a 1-0 match lead.
UTEP showed improvement offensively in the second frame, hitting .185 and staying within striking distance early before Grand Canyon used a 5-0 run midway through the set to create separation. The Lopes went on to hit .538 in the set and claimed a 25-15 victory.
The Miners delivered their strongest performance of the afternoon in the third set, recording 14 kills and a .190 hitting percentage. UTEP trimmed a nine-point deficit to 23-21 late and fought off one match point before Grand Canyon closed out the contest, 25-22.
Mackenzi Davis paced the Miners with seven kills, while
Luvina Oguntimehin added six.
Kalia Kohler dished out a team-high 17 assists,
Elizabeth Pickett recorded UTEP's lone service ace, and
Landry Braziel and
Hannah Crowe contributed two blocks apiece.
Up Next
UTEP closes out the regular season next week in El Paso, hosting Hawai'i on Nov. 18-19 at Club Memorial. Both matches are scheduled for 6 p.m. MT and will be streamed live on MW+.
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