Loretto, Pa. (Jan. 27, 2015)-The Saint Francis Men's Volleyball team had no rest for the weary as it returned to action against Grand Canyon just three days after squaring off against the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the country, Loyola Chicago and Lewis.

Those two tough competitors gave SFU the determination to pick up it's first victory on the young season, but Saint Francis was unable to overcome some of this misfortune that has plagued the Flash this season.

The Flash started off set number one a bit rocky, as it only recorded one point through the games first seven total points. After a timeout called by the Flash at the 9-3 mark, Saint Francis stormed back to bring the game back to within two points. A communication error between Brandon Buck (Baden, Pa./Ambridge) and Jeremy Gaston (Tarentum, Pa./Deer Lakes) gave Canyon back it's largest lead of the frame at six. But SFU would not go quietly as it brought the score back to within four, forcing Grand Canyon head coach Jeremy Price to call a timeout.

Following the break, the Lopes finished off the set with two straight points, taking set one with a score of 25-19.

The two teams exchanged points opening the second stanza of play as neither team took a lead larger than one. With the score deadlocked at nine, the Lopes went on a 4-0 run to secure it's largest lead. Both SFU and Canyon exchanged points as the lead remained at four.

Staring down the possibility of being down two sets to none, head coach Mike Rumbaugh called a timeout to let his guys regroup. The break helped the Flash momentarily as it was able to bring the the score back within four; however, SFU was unable to push across any more points in the second set and fell down 2-0 with the score of set number two, finishing at 25-20.

The Red Flash started off hot in the third frame, opening with three straight points before the Lopes got on the board. SFU fought hard to keep it's lead as Canyon brought the score to back within two on numerous occasions. Saint Francis' lead reached four with the score slated at 16-12 as the Lopes needed a break.

The break proved to be fruitful for both teams as they both followed the stoppage with strong play. But a Jeff Hogan (Northern Cambria, Pa./Northern Cambria) kill gave the Flash new life in the match, giving it the set victory to go into set number four down two sets to one.

With all the momentum in its corner, SFU looked to capitalize quickly; but the Lopes would not go without a fight, matching the Flash point for point to open the frame. It was not until the game was tied up at seven when the Lopes started to pull away, scoring the next four points. But as fate would have it, SFU tied it right back up at 11 with two huge blocks by Mike Marshman (Glenmont, N.Y./Bethlehem Central).

Neither team took control of the late stages as it remained tied towards the end of the set. Hogan again ended the set with a bang, picking up his second straight set ending kill to bring the Flash and Lopes to a decisive fifth set.

Heading into its second straight fifth set march, everything seemed to be heading the right direction for Saint Francis. The two teams fought hard trading points back and forth heading to the court switch.

The Lopes had a small two point lead after the switch, but SFU scored on its next three possessions to take the lead 9-8. Back to back kills by the Lopes Ryan Mather gave Grand Canyon the set and the match.

Marshman and Keith Kegerreis (Chambersburg, Pa./Chambersburg) led the way offensively for Saint Francis, as the two combined for 24 kills. Both hit with great efficiency as each player had a hitting percentage higher than 35 percent.

The two teams renew its rivalry again tomorrow night as first serve is scheduled for 7:00 P.M.