Grand Canyon University (GCU) is gearing up for some exciting volleyball matches. This Thursday, they’ll face San Diego State (SDSU) at 6:00 p.m. Before returning home, they’ll travel to New Mexico for another match on Saturday at 11 a.m. Both games will be streamed on the Mountain West Network.
Here are some standout facts about the Lopes:
- Bella Nunez, a freshman setter, is making waves. She holds the fourth most triple-doubles in the country this season, with four to her name.
- The Lopes are strong at the net, ranking 16th nationally in blocks per set, with an impressive average of 2.78.
- Nunez recently earned both the Mountain West Offensive Player and Freshman of the Week honors. She averaged 3.14 kills and 5.00 assists per set over the last week, showcasing her versatility.
- Goodere is also shining, sitting third in the conference for hitting percentage at .347.
In their most recent games, GCU secured two wins against UNLV and New Mexico. Nunez led with notable stats—22 kills, 35 assists, and 23 digs, averaging impressive figures across the board. They’ve previously beaten SDSU in 2019 and now hold a 3-1 record against New Mexico.
Looking at the competition, SDSU has had strong performances, winning all six of their Mountain West games. Senior hitter Taylor Underwood has been a standout for the Aztecs, recently tallying 26 kills in a week.
As for New Mexico, they’re still searching for their first conference win, struggling with a .066 hitting percentage in their last matchup against the Lopes.
After these games, GCU will head to San José State on October 23 and then to Fresno State on October 25. Fans can expect intense matches ahead as the Lopes aim to maintain their momentum.
For those interested in delving deeper into college volleyball dynamics, it’s worth noting that the NCAA has seen a surge in viewership, with attendance at matches increasing by nearly 25% over the last five years. This reflects a growing interest in the sport, especially in powerhouse conferences like the Mountain West.
Check out the Mountain West Network for more volleyball action and updates!
