George Fox Volleyball Coach Steve Grant Gets Career Win 600
Friday night's win marks the 600th victory for head coach Steve Grant. Grant, who is in his 33rd year at the helm of George Fox has established one of the most consistent programs in the nation during his time.
(NEWBERG, Ore. ) — The fans and spectators piled into Wheeler Sports Center Friday night, as George Fox University's women's volleyball team hosted its first home match of the season against conference foe Pacific University.
The Bruins beat the Boxers in a four-set match 25-23, 24-26, 25-19, and 25-14. George Fox improves to 2-9 on the season and 1-0 in conference play.
Friday night's win marks the 600th victory for head coach Steve Grant. Grant, who is in his 33rd year at the helm of George Fox has established one of the most consistent programs in the nation during his time.
"We've been on the road for so long that coming home was a real treat and our fans were really tremendous and supportive," said Grant. "I definitely felt that the whole team played better than we have at any time this season and it was wonderful to see each of them step up their game. Even the kids who didn't play were incredibly loud and supportive and when that happens it makes the game just that much more fun. I was particularly pleased with our seniors even though everyone did well. Their job is to step up their game and show the others the way and that's just what they did tonight."
The Bruins opened up the night taking the first set in dramatic fashion. The Boxers took a three point lead late in the first set, 14-11, but the Bruins mounted a comeback and took back the lead with a five point rally, 22-17. After the eight-point swing the Bruins didn't look back and closed out the first set, 25-23.
The Boxers jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead in the second, but the Bruins clawed back into the game forcing a 23-23 tie. The Boxers snuck by after a couple of errors to even the match up at 1-1.
Erin Sprowls led the Bruins in the third set hitting .333, going 4-for-9 with one attack error. The Boxers only lead came from the first two points in the set, but the Bruins took back the lead at 5-4 and didn't look back. George Fox took its largest lead of the match by seven points at 19-12.
The Bruins again came from behind in the fourth set and held the Boxers to eight points after a seven point rally, 15-8. The fans started to get into it later in the set, as everyone could sense 600 was just around the corner. The Bruins finished the night holding the Boxers to the lowest score of the four sets, 25-14.
George Fox out-hit the Boxers .152 to .056 and had both Erin Campbell (13) and Delaney Cruz (12) record double-digit kills. Payton Shrum finished the night with 43 assists.
"I've been fortunate to have been able to continue to coach at GFU and feel honored that so many of the previous teams have worked so hard to play their best," said Grant. "Any "milestone" like something that occurred tonight is more a tribute to the current and past players than any one person. I've had wonderful players and tremendous people to work with, and feel particularly blessed to have two wonderful assistants who have done so much for our program both as players and now as amazing coaches."
Source: George Fox Athletics
