Maybe the disappointment from almost upsetting the No. 1 team in the nation was still on their minds. Maybe there was a little less fuel in the tank after such a draining performance just one night prior. Regardless of the reason, the end result was a disappointing 3-1 (18-25, 22-25, 25-20, 20-25) loss at the hands of Ottawa University (Ariz.)(1-0) for Park University Gilbert (0-2).
"When you have a young team who has not played much together and been in the heat of a game together very often, sometimes its hard to find rhythm," said Park University Head Coach Clay Webb. "As this season moves forward and they start to get comfortable and trust one another, you will see a different result."
The first set, was much like the first set against Benedictine. The Bucs came out slow and sluggish and it carried over in the early stages of set two. But the Buccaneers gained some momentum towards the end of the set, losing a tight stanza 25-22. That momentum carried over into the third set, where the Bucs rode that wave to a 25-20 third set trimuph.
Unfortunately it was not to be as once again, Park Gilbert fell behind the eight ball early in the fourth set and never really could get close enought to make make the Spirit sweat as they lost the final frame 25-20.
Things do not get any easier for the Buccanners as they travel to take on Division I opponent Grand Canyon on Friday in Phoenix at 6 p.m.
"Firday will be a great test," said Webb. "It will also be a lot of fun. This is a great opportunity to continue to challenge ourselves against top flight compeition."
