Grand Canyon University’s dominant run of 18 consecutive WAC series victories came to an abrupt end Saturday night, as the Lopes fell 18-2 to Utah Valley in a seven-inning game at GCU Ballpark.
Utah Valley (24-11, 9-2 WAC) surged offensively, securing their second straight win of the weekend series and handing GCU (21-13, 8-3 WAC) a rare home loss. The Wolverines exploded for 18 runs across the third, fourth, and sixth innings—highlighted by a six-run fourth and an eight-run sixth—while tallying 17 hits on the night.
The Lopes managed just five hits in the loss. Graduate center fielder Eddy Pelc drove in a run with an RBI single in the third inning, while senior third baseman Eli Paton added an RBI double in the fourth.
Sophomore pitcher Garrett Ahern (L, 6 R, 3.0 IP) took the loss for GCU after struggling early on the mound.
The Lopes now face a must-win situation in Sunday’s series finale. A victory would allow GCU to tie Utah Valley atop the WAC standings and prevent a series sweep.
