PHOENIX, Ariz. - The Ottawa University Arizona men's volleyball team lost to UC-San Diego and Grand Canyon University today at GCU. Final scores were 1-3 (25-23, 28-30, 24-26, 16-25) vs UCSD and 0-3 (20-25, 14-25, 20-25) vs GCU.
 
The Spirit move on with a 3-4 record.
 
In the first game of the day, the Spirit took on the Tritons of the UC-San Diego. The Tritons jumped out to an early 11-6 lead, but the Spirit fought back earning kills and taking back the momentum of the game. Tied at 14-14, both teams battled for dominance, but in the end the Spirit took control forcing the Tritons into errors and depended on two well-timed kills by Kory Peterson to win the first game 25-23.
 
Game two was an extensive battle between both teams, tying the score more often than any team could gain a lead. Both sides used their offenses to battle out the game, making few errors and earning more points. The game ended long in UCSD's favor 30-28.
 
Game three followed the battle-style of the previous game. In this game, the Spirit were able to tie with the Tritons but never gain the lead. Errors in this game gave the win to the Tritons even with the SPirit forcing the game into extra points, 26-24.
 
In the final game of the match, UCSD used their momentum to take control earning seven points before the Spirit could get on the board. From there the Spirit fought to come back, but the force of the Tritons helped them to finish the game and match with a 25-16 win.
 
The second match of the day saw the Spirit take on the NCAA Division 1 11th ranked GCU 'Lopes. In game one the Spirit were the first to get on the board with a kill from Campbell Quentin. The Spirit kept the lead through point eleven when the 'Lopes caught up and took the lead. The Spirit stayed within distance of GCU, but the 'Lopes were able to stay ahead and win the game 25-20. Game two and three followed similarly with the Spirit staying with the 'Lopes early in the game, but falling behind in the end. GCU won the match with game two 25-14 and game three 25-20.
 
Kory Peterson had 26 kills for the day, earning 19 against UCSD alone. He was followed by James Yahner who earned nine kills against GCU and 15 kills against UCSD.
 
--SPIRIT--
 
 
About Ottawa University
Founded in 1865, Ottawa University prepares professional and liberal arts graduates for lifetimes of personal significance, vocational fulfillment and service to God and humanity within a Christ-inspired community of grace and open inquiry. Ottawa University is a comprehensive, not-for-profit educational institution serving 3,000 students through its residential campuses in Ottawa, Kan., and Surprise, Ariz., and adult campuses in Overland Park, Kan.; Phoenix, Queen Creek and Surprise, Ariz.; Brookfield, Wis.; Jeffersonville, Ind.; as well as online. For more information, visit www.ottawa.edu. 
 
For more information about OUAZ athletics, visit http://www.ottawa.edu/ouaz/athletics. Follow OUAZ athletics on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OUAZSpiritAthletics/ and on Twitter twitter.com/OUAZSpirit.