Surprise, Ariz. – OUAZ Women's Volleyball wrapped up its homestand on Friday afternoon with a 3-0 loss to Azusa Pacific inside Faith Arena. The non-conference defeat moved the Spirit to 8-4 overall on the season following a strong stretch that included five consecutive victories and a 4-0 start to GSAC play.
Despite the final result, OUAZ battled throughout the match and received key contributions from several players against a talented Cougar squad.
SET 1:
The opening set was tightly contested early as the Spirit traded points with Azusa Pacific behind the play of McKenna Diederich, Allison Pivonka, Keira Adrian, and Elisa Saunders.
OUAZ erased an early deficit and pulled even midway through the set thanks to kills from Diederich and Saunders, along with service aces from Diederich and Isabella Foutz. The Cougars responded with a late run to secure the opening frame despite kills from Hannah Allman and Delaney Wilson down the stretch.
SET 2:
The second set featured another competitive effort from the Spirit. OUAZ received strong offensive production from Saunders, Adrian, Wilson, and Diederich while also getting key defensive plays at the net from Pivonka, Wilson, and Rylie Henige.
After falling behind early, the Spirit narrowed the gap and remained within striking distance throughout much of the set. Saunders delivered several timely kills and OUAZ recorded multiple blocks during a late push, but the Cougars held on to take a two-set advantage.
SET 3:
The third set remained competitive through the early stages as Adrian, Henige, Diederich, and Pivonka helped OUAZ stay within reach.
The Cougars eventually used a lengthy serving run to create separation midway through the set. The Spirit continued to compete, receiving late points from Bella Reach and several defensive stops at the net, but Azusa Pacific maintained control and completed the sweep.
Match Notes
- OUAZ moved to 8-4 overall on the season.
- The Spirit remain 4-0 in GSAC play despite the non-conference setback.
- McKenna Diederich recorded several timely kills and a service ace.
- Elisa Saunders, Keira Adrian, Delaney Wilson, and Allison Pivonka all contributed offensively throughout the match.
- OUAZ closes its homestand with an 8-4 overall record entering the next week of conference competition.
Up Next
OUAZ returns to GSAC play on Friday, Sept. 25, when the Spirit travel to face Park Gilbert. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. as OUAZ looks to continue its undefeated start to conference action.
