SURPRISE, Ariz. - The Ottawa University Arizona men's volleyball team defeated the UC-Merced Bobcats on Thursday evening in straight sets at Valley Vista High School in Surprise. Final scores were 25-21, 25-21, and 25-23.



The Spirit took control of the match right out of the gate getting on the board first. UC-Merced answered, and both teams battled to build a gap and jump ahead. The Spirit took the opportunity of a service ace from Chris Brown and a bad set from the Bobcats to win the game 25-21.
 
In game two OUAZ wasted no time, again getting on the board early, building a big lead to stay ahead of the Bobcats for the match. James Yahner would finish the match 25-21 with the final kill.
 
The final game of the match the Bobcats made some adjustments to their strategy making it more difficult for the Spirit. At 15-19 UC-Merced made their move to gain on the Spirit and momentarily take the lead at 22-21. Following a timeout by OUAZ, the Spirit took back the game winning the game and the match with a final game score of 25-23.
 
Chris Brown lead both sides of the court in service aces, earning three of OUAZ's five total. Setter, Andrew De'Leon showed up for the Spirit at the net earning two solo blocks for the match. The Spirit dominated the game with tough serving and used their dynamic offense to give three of their hitter's double-digit kills.
   
 
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.