Glendale, Ariz.- On Saturday afternoon, ACU was just a few made serves away from earning a win.  Unfortunately, the serves were missed, and Arizona Christian lost in five to Hope International.  The Firestorm did set several team records on the day.

Match Info

• Match score: Hope International - 3, Arizona Christian - 2
  • Set 1: ACU 25-14
  • Set 2: HIU 27-25
  • Set 3: ACU 25-21
  • Set 4: HIU 25-17
  • Set 5: HIU 17-15
• Records: Arizona Christian - 2-6, 0-5 GSAC, Hope International - 5-9, 1-4 GSAC
• NAIA Top 10 Rank: Arizona Christian - not ranked, Hope International - RV
• Location: Firestorm Recreation Center, Arizona Christian University, Glendale, AZ

ACU Stats

• Cade McGee - 19 kills, 11 digs
• Paul Dozeman - 15 kills (career high)
• Nate Mayfield - 11 kills
• Thomas Johannesen - 49 assists (ACU single match record)
• Andrew Tigas - 17 digs
• Wesley Hunter - 10 digs

Inside the Box Score

• The Firestorm were on fire in the first set as they hit .545 and did not allow even a tie
• Following four lead changes in the first 15 points, the teams exchanged a total of 12 ties in the second set
• The Firestorm held a 15-13 kills edge in the second
• But after just one service error in the first and three in the final three sets, ACU committed eight service errors in second set to cost them the set
• In the third set, the teams played to their eighth tie of the set at 14-14
• A kill from Hunter gave Arizona Christian the lead at 15-14 and ACU did not look back in the set
• Tied 6-6 in the fourth, an ACU attack error gave HIU the top score for the rest of the set
• After falling behind 4-1 in the fifth set, the Firestorm moved back in front 6-5
• The Royals countered and built as large as 14-9 lead and match point
• But two McGee kills and three HIU errors tied the set at 14-14
• Another match point staved off and a 15-15 tie before HIU ended the match with two kills
• ACU set numerous team match records like kills (58), attempts (159), assists (57), and digs (60)

Thoughts from Coach Bruns

"Tough loss.  We have to be more consistent, mentally tough, and commit to excellence with every point.  Proud of the production from our middles but we cannot make that many mistakes and expect to win.  Greatest thing is that we know the rest of our schedule and get to see them again.  Our time will come.  We just need to learn how to take it and not have it be given to us."

Up Next

On Wednesday, the Firestorm will travel to OUAZ.  First serve from Surprise will be at 6:00 pm.