Mesa, Ariz. – OUAZ Women's Volleyball continued its dominant start to GSAC play on Friday night, defeating Park Gilbert in straight sets, 25-19, 25-23, 25-21, at the AZ Athletic Grounds. The victory improved the Spirit to 9-4 overall and a perfect 5-0 in GSAC play as they extended their conference winning streak.
OUAZ controlled the match offensively, finishing with 45 kills, 42 assists, 57 digs, and a .194 hitting percentage while limiting the Buccaneers to a .122 attacking clip. The Spirit also held advantages in kills (45-33), assists (42-32), digs (57-53), and aces (6-3).
Set 1
The opening set featured several lead changes before OUAZ used a late push to seize control. Kills by Elisa Saunders, Hannah Allman, Keira Adrian, and Delaney Wilson kept the Spirit within striking distance through the middle portion of the set.
Adrian sparked a key run with a service ace, while Saunders and McKenna Diederich delivered timely kills. OUAZ closed the frame by scoring seven of the final nine points, highlighted by kills from Diederich, Adrian, and Saunders to earn the 25-19 victory.
Set 2
The second set proved to be the most competitive of the evening.
Wilson took over offensively for the Spirit, recording several key kills throughout the set. Gloria Moye and Diederich added important points at the net, while Norma Ramirez-Barba contributed a service ace during a pivotal mid-set run.
Park Gilbert rallied late to cut into the deficit, but OUAZ responded behind consecutive aces from Allman and clutch kills from Wilson, Sarff, and Adrian to secure the 25-23 win and a 2-0 match lead.
Set 3
The Buccaneers continued to battle in the third set, forcing a tightly contested frame that remained close deep into the set.
OUAZ received contributions from Adrian, Sarff, Rylie Henige, and Marielle Ramos, but it was Wilson who delivered the knockout blows. With the match hanging in the balance, the junior outside hitter recorded four consecutive kills during a decisive late run that broke open the set.
Adrian delivered the match-clinching point as the Spirit completed the sweep and remained unbeaten in conference action.
By the Numbers
Up Next
OUAZ (9-4, 5-0 GSAC) will continue its road trip on Saturday, Sept. 26, when the Spirit travel across town for another conference showdown against Arizona Christian. First serve is scheduled for 1 p.m. as OUAZ looks to remain undefeated in GSAC play.
