PHOENIX – The OUAZ men's volleyball team opened the new season on Saturday by falling to Grand Canyon at Antelope Gymnasium in three sets.
 
OUAZ (0-1) fell to the NCAA Division I No. 15 team by scores of 25-17, 25-16, 25-23 in front of 972 fans.
 
The Spirit ended the night with a 29-27 edge in total kills, but they committed 25 hitting errors to just 14 from the home side. Grand Canyon (3-2) added a 6-1 edge in service aces and the Lopes held a 9-5 advantage in blocks.
 
Chris Nero led the Spirit with seven kills with Bryan Ilena adding five kills and hitting .308. James Yahner, Brandon Davis, and Jacob Vander Beek each totaled four kills.
 
Andrew de'Leon distributed 23 assists while Joaquin Santa Cruz posted 10 digs.
 
GCU got 11 kills and .556 hitting from Christian Janke.
 
OUAZ return to action on Wednesday when they host Arizona Christian in the home opener at 7 p.m. at Willow Canyon High School.