10-27-07

GCU drops match at Hilo

HILO, Hawaii - Grand Canyon met its toughest match on the Big Island.

Hawaii Hilo has rolled through the Pacific West Conference volleyball season this year, and Grand Canyon found out the hard way in a 30-19, 30-18, 30-26 loss.

GCU (7-17, 3-9 PacWest) struggled offensively, hitting at an -.076 clip after being limited to 19 kills. Hilo (21-5, 12-0) had 45 kills.

Antelopes hitter Dana Edington had seven kills, and Shauna Nieman had four. Freshman setter Katie Meyers, playing in place of Audra Slemmer, who injured her ankle, had 15 assists.

Ashley Bright and Nieman each had three blocks, and Edington two on a night the Lopes recorded six as a team.

Hilo's Josimara Pinheiro and Hillary Hurley each had 10 kills. Desiree Agader had 35 assists. Hilo wrapped up the PacWest title on Friday night.

The Antelopes play at Notre Dame de Namur Friday and Saturday in Belmont, Calif. They return home Nov. 9 against Embry Riddle.