Phoenix, AZ- Arizona Christian celebrated Halloween by hosting Hope International in Fultz Gym on Saturday night.  Despite numerous opportunities for the upset trick in the third set, the Firestorm could not treat themselves to a set win against the Royals as they fell 3-0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-22).  Junior Samantha McCants topped all players with 12 kills.

The first two sets were controlled by HIU as there were a combined three ties and one lead change with the latest tie coming at 2-2.

McCants recorded nine kills in the first two sets with five kills and .308 hitting coming in the first set.

But the third set was a completely different story as the two teams battled their way to 19 ties and 9 lead changes in the final set.  ACU opened the scoring by forcing an HIU attack error.  The Royals grabbed their first lead of the set at 5-4.  Two points later, ACU was back in front and the tone was established for the rest of the set.  The largest lead of the set came in the form of three points (15-12 ACU).  Up 22-21, the Firestorm were knocking on the door of the set win but four straight kills by HIU gave them set and match win.

At the end of the match, Sophomore Hailey Settle doubled up with 10 assists, 10 digs, and for good measure four blocks.  Sophomore Deborah White delivered a match high five blocks.

On Wednesday, the Firestorm will head out for their final road trip to oddly enough their closest opponent of the season.  Arizona Christian will serve it up against Benedictine University- Mesa in Mesa Community College's Heap Gymnasium at 7:00 pm.