Phoenix, Ariz.- Gonzaga Volleyball opened the season with a second successive win, sweeping the LIU Brooklyn Sharks in straight sets on Saturday.
The Zags jumped out to a quick lead in set one thanks to a 10-4 run that set the tone for their eventual victory. The Bulldogs dealt with a more competitive second set before absolutely running entirely away with the third set, allowing just 10 points in the final frame.
An evenly balanced attack allowed all the Zags to contribute in the offensive effort, with four Zags logging at least five kills. Six different Bulldogs scored an ace, with Taylor Walsh leading the effort with 3 service aces. Danikah Johnson led the defensive efforts with a career high 5 blocks. Kelly McAuley led the team with seven kills and a game high 14 digs, impressing in just her second collegiate game.
This win means that Gonzaga now starts the season with a 2-0 record, their best start since 2019. The long-term vision for Gonzaga Volleyball is at its highest point in years, as Zags have won both games under new head coach JT Wenger and the leading scorer in both games has been a newcomer to the Zags. The Bulldogs returned all but one starter from last year's team, allowing the core to use their experience to establish a turnaround in addition to the energy of an infusion of new talent.
The Zags will look to test their newfound momentum in their third matchup in as many days, as they face Grand Canyon on the road at 2 p.m. on Sunday. A familiar foe for coach Wenger, he faced the Lopes last year in a five set thriller to win the WAC championship while serving as head coach at UT Arlington. Both have found new homes for the 2025 season, as Wenger leads the upstart Zags, and GCU has moved to the Mountain West.
Gonzaga will make their home debut in Spokane starting on Thursday, September 4th, when they host three teams for the Gonzaga Invitational.
