Surprise, Ariz. – The OUAZ Women's Volleyball team opened Golden State Athletic Conference play in impressive fashion Friday night, knocking off No. 17 The Master's in a five-set battle inside Faith Arena. The victory improved the Spirit to 5-3 overall, 1-0 in GSAC play, and a perfect 4-0 at home this season.
Facing their first nationally ranked opponent of the season on their home floor, the Spirit answered the challenge with a complete team effort, using strong defense at the net and balanced offensive production to earn a statement victory.
OUAZ and The Master's traded momentum throughout the evening, but the Spirit continually delivered in key moments. After taking the opening set, OUAZ weathered several Mustang rallies and relied on its veteran leadership and defensive presence to close out the match.
The Spirit's offense featured contributions from every angle. Elisa Saunders, Delaney Wilson, Marielle Ramos, McKenna Diederich, and Gloria Moye all delivered timely kills, while setters Norma Ramirez-Barba and Isabella Foutz helped keep the Mustang defense off balance throughout the night.
Defensively, OUAZ made life difficult for one of the conference's top programs. Key blocks from Moye, Diederich, Wilson, Hannah Allman, and Ramos helped slow several Mustang attacks during crucial stretches of the match. The Spirit also used strong serving pressure to create opportunities in transition, highlighted by service aces from Ramos and Foutz in the opening set.
The victory continues an impressive run for OUAZ, which has now won four of its last five matches and remains unbeaten inside Faith Arena this season.
Match Notes
- OUAZ improved to 5-3 overall and 1-0 in GSAC play.
- The Spirit moved to 4-0 at home in 2026.
- OUAZ recorded its first victory over a nationally ranked opponent this season.
- The win marked the Spirit's fourth consecutive home victory.
- The Master's entered the match ranked No. 17 nationally.
Up Next
The Spirit return to Faith Arena on Friday, Sept. 11, when they host Benedictine Mesa in another GSAC matchup. First serve is scheduled for 4 p.m. as OUAZ looks to continue its strong start to conference play.
