TIGERS GO TOE-TO-TOE WITH NCAA DIVISION I OPPOSITION, GRAND CANYON, IN ARIZONA

PHOENIX, Ariz. – The RV Olivet Nazarene University men's volleyball program fell to NCAA Division I foes, No. 5 Grand Canyon, in straight sets Friday night to conclude their Spring Break trip to Arizona. Despite the loss, ONU individuals led the match in total registered kills (Cade Ooms), attacks (Jaiton Kamaunu), digs (Kamaunu), assists (Tomas Gonzalez), and points (Ooms).

The Tigers went toe-to-toe with the Antelopes through the first 32 points of the match. The score was level at 16-16 following 12 ties to open the set. The home team broke it open following a 6-1 run and then went on to take the 1-0 lead in the match winning three of the final four points. GCU carried the momentum into the second set when they went on a 9-2 run and did not look back taking a commanding 2-0 lead on the night. The Tigers led 15-14 in the final set before a 4-0 run quickly followed by a 4-1 stretch was enough to down ONU.

Kamaunu led the way for the Tiger with a full box score line which included a game-high 17 attacks leading to six kills for six points. The sophomore outside hitter contributed a game-high five digs on the defensive end.

Ooms was the most productive source offensively with a game-high 10 points. The freshman finished with a .667 kill percentage off of 15 attacks. Jake Ostema was close behind providing nine points with a .692 kill percentage. The team leader in assists, Tomas Gonzalez provided a game-high 29 assists on the night.  

WHAT'S NEXT

The Tigers return to Bourbonnais next Tuesday, March 14, to host Roosevelt as they continue conference play. The match-up between ONU and the Lakers is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT in McHie Arena. Please visit ONUTigers.com for all the updated links to follow the action.

--ONU—

*Contact: Patrick Kaindl, Sports Information Graduate Assistant; email pkaindl@olivet.edu