USC sweeps Grand Canyon


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The No. 7 USC men’s volleyball team took advantage of a Division II opponent and started mostly backups, yet was still able to submit a strong performance, sweeping Grand Canyon, 30-27, 30-20 and 30-26 Thursday night at the Galen Center.

The match started close, as Grand Canyon was not fazed by its Division I opponent, hanging with the Trojans (11-9) in the first set until junior outside hitter Sean Dennis converted a kill to break a 22-22 tie and the Trojans were able to take control of the opening set.

The second set was equally close until USC scored 10 of 12 points to storm to an 18-12 lead that it would not give back. The Trojans hit a combined .488 in the second set.

Grand Canyon kept the third and final set close as well, as the teams were tied at 20, but USC moved out to a 26-22 edge before edging out the Antelopes to complete the sweep.

Junior outside hitter Sean Dennis led the Trojans in kills while hitting .579 for the match, while Connor Dougherty led the Antelopes with 13 kills.

The Trojans will hit the court April 1 against No. 11 UC Irvine in Mountain Pacific Sports Federation action.