GLENDALE, Ariz. – Hope International women's volleyball dropped a GSAC contest to Arizona Christian in three sets, losing 25-22, 25-19, 25-15. 

The Royals fell to 7-14 overall and 3-11 in the GSAC. The Firestorm improved to 17-6 overall and moved into a three-way tie for first place in league play at 12-2.

Mamaia Mamea led the Royals with seven kills and Lole Mamea chipped in eight. Kat Schwab had five kills on .333 (5-1-12) hitting. 

Annie Nugent posted a match-high 17 digs and team-high three service aces, while Rita Nua led the team with 18 assists.

HIU hit .103 for the match, while ACU countered at .280.

The Royals led early in set one, and trailed just 14-13 when ACU went on a 3-0 mini-run. HIU responded with a 3-0 run of its own to trim the deficit back to one.

Both teams then exchanged back-to-back three-point runs as the ACU lead shifted from 20-16 to 20-19. HIU eventually tied the score at 22-22, but the Firestorm closed out the set on an HIU service error, Haley Tedrow kill and HIU attack error.

ACU led from start to finish in set two, building a 14-9 lead midway through the frame. HIU chomped into the deficit and trailed just 19-17, but ACU reeled off three straight points to build a five-point lead.

The home team took the 25-19 win following an HIU attack error.

The Firestorm broke out to a 5-0 lead in set three. The Royals crept to within 13-9, but a 4-0 ACU run opened up a 21-13 advantage.

Ryan Coughlin's kill sealed up the 25-15 win.

HIU returns to action on Thursday, November 6 against La Sierra, with first serve at 6:00 p.m.