TEMPE, Ariz. – The Gonzaga volleyball team fell to Northern Arizona in three sets (25-23, 25-13, 25-18) in its final match of the Sparky Classic. The loss ends a difficult nonconference schedule for the Bulldogs as they open WCC play next week.
 
Gonzaga (3-8) was led by Sarah Penner with eight kills while Kennedy Croft added seven kills and six digs. Tiyana Hallums added a match-high 22 digs while Mary Marzo finished with 21 assists, also a match high.
 
The Bulldogs battled Northern Arizona (8-5) in the first set as they were able to offset the Lumberjacks' hot .391 hitting with six more total attempts and twice as many digs. Though NAU raced out to a 5-1 advantage following four hitting errors by Gonzaga, the Bulldogs came alive and strung together a 6-2 run to tie the set 7-7. The set featured nine more ties (11 in total), but with the set tied 23-all the 'Jacks put together a 2-0 run to seal the 25-23 first set win.
 
The Zags struggled offensively in the second set, registering 10 errors off 39 attempts for nine kills to hit -.026. Northern Arizona put on the pressure defensively, finishing the set with 5.0 blocks and 18 digs alone in the second. The Lumberjacks built and early 9-3 lead and continued on for the 25-13 win.
 
In the final set, Gonzaga overcame a slow start to take the lead midway through the set, 14-12. Yet a 6-0 run in favor of Northern Arizona put the Bulldogs behind 18-14. The Zags were unable to close the gap and dropped the final set 25-18.
 
Northern Arizona was led by Ryann Davis with 12 kills while Sydney Lema added 12 digs.

Hallums, who average 6.90 digs over three matches, was the lone Zag named to the Sparky Classic All-Tournament team.
 
Gonzaga is back in action for its home- and conference-opening weekend against Loyola Marymount (Sept. 20, 6 p.m.) and Pepperdine (Sept. 22, 12 p.m.). Both matches will be played in the Martin Centre. Visit GoZags.com for tickets and match information.