UCLA Men’s Volleyball Triumphs Over Grand Canyon in Phoenix

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UCLA Bruins displaying high energy during a tense match against Grand Canyon University.

News Summary

In a thrilling match in Phoenix, UCLA Men’s Volleyball showcased their resilience by defeating Grand Canyon University in a nail-biter that went to five sets. After facing a prior defeat, the Bruins rallied back to secure a victory, highlighted by standout performances and intense rallies. Coach John Hawks focuses on improving strategies as the team prepares for upcoming matches against BYU.

Phoenix Thrills: UCLA Men’s Volleyball Fights Back Against Grand Canyon

In an electrifying showdown in Phoenix, Arizona, the UCLA Bruins Men’s Volleyball team put on a nail-biting performance against the No. 13 Grand Canyon University on April 4, 2025. After a tough defeat the previous day, the Bruins were determined to bounce back, and they delivered just that, taking the match to all five sets in a challenge that had fans on the edge of their seats.

A Roller Coaster of Emotions

With a strong record of 17 wins and 4 losses, including a 7-1 conference record in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF), UCLA was looking to assert its dominance against a GCU team that had a record of 15-9 and a 4-6 conference standing. The stakes were heightened with GCU celebrating its senior night, adding a layer of motivation for the home team.

However, UCLA was coming off a tough loss where they had been swept 0-3 by GCU just a day prior. Facing a passionate home crowd, the Bruins knew they had their work cut out for them. The atmosphere was electric, and the cheers of the GCU supporters made every point a battle.

Back and Forth Action

The match itself was a seesaw affair, with neither team willing to back down. After UCLA secured the first set, GCU fought back to take the second. The most nail-biting moment came in the fourth set when UCLA took a lead, only to see it slip away thanks to a costly net violation by junior outside hitter Zach Rama, allowing GCU to tie the match at two sets apiece.

Even when faced with adversity – including injuries to key players like freshman outside hitter Sean Kelly, who had to nurse a swollen nose, and redshirt junior libero Matthew Aziz who was limping throughout the match – UCLA refused to let up. The emotional toll was felt deeply, particularly for sophomore middle blocker Cameron Thorne, who faced his former team amid emotional highs and lows.

Standout Performances

In the thrilling end, it was redshirt junior outside hitter Cooper Robinson who stole the spotlight with his impressive performance of 19 kills at a stunning hitting percentage of .421. His contributions proved crucial as the Bruins rallied to secure the win. UCLA finished the night with a season-high total of 62 kills and showcased an admirable hitting percentage of .344.

On the defensive side, both teams engaged in long rallies, displaying unwavering intensity. UCLA’s defense put up a remarkable 39 digs, which certainly proved to be a game-changer. GCU’s support, led by libero Cooper Herndon with 12 digs, highlighted the essentials of teamwork and coordination on the court.

Looking Ahead

Despite the victory, Coach John Hawks acknowledged that there’s room for improvement, especially within their offensive strategies. With the match resulting in a total of 42 service mistakes across both teams, the focus will be on tightening up their game.

As the Bruins prepare for back-to-back contests against BYU on April 11 and April 12 at the iconic Pauley Pavilion, the team looks forward to using this victory as a building block. Recovery and a solid week of practice will be key as they aim to bolster their conference standing and carry this momentum forward.

Overall, what started as a challenge escalated into a remarkable display of resilience, making this matchup one for the history books. It’s clear that UCLA Men’s Volleyball is back in the game and ready to continue their pursuit of excellence in the competitive world of collegiate athletics.