SURPRISE, Ariz. – The OUAZ women's volleyball team put up a fight, but they couldn't finish the job in a four-set loss to Hope International on Saturday afternoon at Willow Canyon High School.
 
The teams would split he first two sets before Hope International (14-7, 8-3 GSAC) took the next two sets for the 25-20, 23-25, 25-18, 25-12 win. OUAZ (5-12, 2-9) was hurt by their 40 hitting errors compared to the 14 of the Royals.
 
The Spirit had a 52-38 edge in kills, but they only hit .066. They were able to generate more offensive chances with 89 digs. HIU slowed that attack with 18 blocks and 10 service aces.
 
Avie Butsko and Katie Defer led the way for OUAZ with 12 kills apiece. Austin Edwards added nine kills and Sharron Wallace finished with eight.
 
Leni Bartley tallied 28 digs for the Spirit while Star Hoskie added 23. Butsko added six blocks.
 
The Spirit will spend next week on the road where they will play four matches in California. The trek begins on Wednesday at Saint Katherine in Encinitas, California.