10-12-07

Naber notches 200th victory at GCU

Kris Naber told her daughter, “We may have to stop for ice cream on the way home.”

And it wasn’t just because she had a sweet tooth. Rather, Naber, Grand Canyon University’s volleyball coach, and her team had just accomplished something sweet.

Naber recorded her 200th career victory at Grand Canyon Friday night in a sweep of Dixie State College, 30-27, 30-21, 30-14.

“I think it makes it more memorable and special to feel the hours you put in as a coach pay off,” Naber said, her eyes beaming the way her normally bright smile elicits a calmness about her.

“It’s a good feeling to see things come together that they’ve been working on all year.”

The win marked the second straight sweep for GCU (7-12, 3-4 PacWest) in a season that took time for the “real” Antelopes to display themselves. And to win in convincing fashion on a night Naber reached a milestone – and her daughter was able to enjoy the spoils afterward – was the start of something even more different about this Antelopes squad.

Not only did they sweep their first Pacific West Conference opponent, the Antelopes flat out dominated Games 2 and 3, with an emphasis on the ending.

“I think these girls overcame individual struggles in the match, and that makes it more special,” Naber said.

Senior setter Audra Slemmer had 41 assists, junior hitter Shauna Nieman hit .524 with 12 kills, and sophomore hitters Dana Edington and Whitney Estes combined for 23 kills. Edington had 14 kills and 14 digs, and Estes nine kills while banging balls at a .412 clip. Senior middle blocker Ashley Bright had three blocks, and freshman libero Katie Meyers tightened up her defense, scooping 14 digs in a match she improved from start to finish.

That’s kind of the way the Antelopes season has unfolded: a work in progress. Improvement from start to finish.

When they squared off with some of the nation’s better teams in the first two weeks, the ’Lopes weren’t near their peak. Now things have changed, and the metamorphosis is one to watch, if not marvel at.

“Actually putting it together in a match …” Naber said, maybe the rush of all the emotions of a historic night filling her mind. “I think we’re on the road to that.”

A road that may once again lead to ice cream.