LORETTO, Pa. (Jan. 28, 2015) - The Saint Francis men's Volleyball team was right back in action Wednesday night facing off against a familiar foe, the Lopes of Grand Canyon University. Despite a strong comeback from Saint Francis, GCU prevailed for the second night in a row defeating the Flash 3-1.
These two teams played extremely close sets last night as the match went to five sets. A similar start for tonight's match occurred as most of the first set was spent exchanging points. With the score slated at 17-16 in favor of the Flash, Canyon's attacking error gave SFU control of the frame.
Mike Marshman (Glenmont, N.Y./Bethlehem Central)'s solo block forced Jeremy Price to call a timeout as Saint Francis had taken control of the set. The Flash returned to form after the break scoring on it's next three possessions to win the first set 25-19. A
Daniel Ford (Newtown, Pa./Council Rock North) service ace was the final blow the gave SFU the early 1-0 lead.
The Lopes came out fast to open the second stanza, scoring the first three points. Saint Francis fired right back scoring on the next four points to regain the lead. As the set continued, each team took turns regaining and giving up the lead; with neither team rallying off a long stretch of points.
Saint Francis called it's first timeout with score sitting at 16-14 in favor of Grand Canyon. The chess match continued as the Lopes forced the Flash to call it's second timeout after GCU scored four unanswered points.
A late rally brought the Flash within two of another tie, but an attacking error by Saint Francis gave the set to Grand Canyon 25-21. There were 13 ties and six lead changes throughout the second set.
As the third frame got under way, the play between the two teams remained virtually identical to the first two sets. It was not until the Lopes gained the largest lead of the night at five points that a team took control of the set. That lead was a bit to much to overcome for SFU as it dropped its second straight set to Canyon 25-18.
With facing the possibility of losing it's second consecutive game to GCU, the Flash kept the Lopes at arms length as it lead most of the fourth set. A strong comeback from Canyon brought the SFU lead to just two and on the next three possessions, the Lopes regained its lead. A reverse of fortunes gave GCU new life with it sitting just five points from taking both matches against the Flash.
A comeback from the Flash fell just short as Grand Canyon finished off the final set with a score of 25-21.
Saint Francis will return to the court on Jan. 31 at Penn State. First serve is scheduled for 8 P.M.
