SURPRISE, Ariz. – Hope International fell to OUAZ in the GSAC women's volleyball opener on Friday at Faith Arena, losing 25-17, 25-15, 25-10.

Olivia Samaniego led the Royals with eight kills on .444 hitting. Manaia Mamea contributed six kills and Lole Mamea added five.

Annie Nugent had seven digs to lead the back row. Rita Nua and Alyssa Bishop handed out 13 and 12 assists, respectively.

For the Spirit, Lauren Wamsley posted a match-high 10 kills.

OUAZ hit .315 for the match, while the Royals checked in at .037.

The Royals trailed just 13-11 in set one and were still within striking distance at 17-14, but the Spirit finished on an 8-3 run.

OUAZ sped out to a 5-1 lead in set two and widened the margin to 15-8. The Spirit kept the Royals at bay, increasing their lead to 21-13. OUAZ reached set point with its biggest lead at 24-14, and HIU attack error ended the set at 25-15.

HIU built a 6-4 lead in set three, but OUAZ answered with a 6-0 run. The run eventually ballooned to 11-2 as the Spirit opened up a 15-18 edge. The match ended with eight straight OUAZ points and a 25-10 set triumph.

The Royals return to action with another GSAC match on Saturday against Embry-Riddle. First serve is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.