FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (Sept. 3, 2025) – The Northern Arizona women's volleyball team will head down the mountain for the GCU Classic, held from Sept. 5-7. The Lumberjacks will open play on Friday at 4 p.m. Mountain Standard Time against Washington State (1-2). NAU will also face East Texas A&M (0-3) on Sept. 6 at 3 p.m. MST, and the host team, Grand Canyon (3-0), on Sept. 7 at 2 p.m. MST.
Northern Arizona is coming off a 2-1 showing at the Lobo Invitational, where they faced Houston Christian (W, 3-0), New Mexico (L, 2-3), and Manhattan (W, 3-0). Hanah Stoddard and Sophia Wadsworth were both named to the All-Tournament Team. Stoddard posted a .254 hitting percentage, recording 43 kills on 114 attempts with 14 errors. She also contributed five service aces, three blocks, and 36 digs, registering two double-doubles over the three matches. Wadsworth averaged a .354 hitting percentage, contributing 2.18 kills per set and seven blocks.
NAU will meet Washington State for the third time in history, with the two teams tied 1-1 in the all-time series. The Lumberjacks won 3-1 in Provo, Utah, in 1980, while the Cougars won 3-1 at home in 2018. Washington State recently competed in the Utah Classic, where they fell to Daytona (L, 1-3) and Utah (L, 0-3), but secured a 3-0 win over Lafayette College. WSU outside hitter Eliana Ti'a was named the West Coast Conference Freshman of the Week after totaling 29 kills (2.9 per set), 16 digs, and six blocks for 36.5 total points. A live stream of the match will be available for a $5 fee on Grand Canyon's website, and live stats can be found here.
On Saturday, Sept. 6, the Lumberjacks will face East Texas A&M for the first time ever. East Texas A&M recently hosted the Lion Invitational, where they battled Providence (L, 0-3), Little Rock (L, 1-3), and North Texas (L, 0-3). Jade Washington of East Texas A&M was named to the All-Tournament Team after recording 41 digs across nine sets played. Live streaming of this match will also be available for a $5 fee on Grand Canyon's website, and live stats can be found here.
The final match of the tournament will be against in-state rival and host, Grand Canyon on Sunday Sept. 7. The Lumberjacks have a perfect 23-0 record in the all-time series against the Lopes, dating back to 1981. Grand Canyon had a strong start to the 2025-26 season, sweeping all three of their matches at the GCU Invitational for the first time since 2021, defeating Long Island, UT Rio Grande Valley, and Gonzaga. GCU's opposite hitter Bella Nunez was named the Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Week after recording 24 kills (2.67 per set) on a .435 hitting percentage, along with 43 assists, 26 digs, and 12 blocks. The match will be streamed for free on the Mountain West Network, with live stats available here.
Following the GCU Classic, the Lumberjacks will return home for their home opener, the Lumberjack Classic, from Sept. 11-13. NAU will host UC San Diego, Texas Tech, and Southern Utah. Tickets are available here.
Stay up to date with the Northern Arizona women's volleyball team by following the 'Jacks on Instagram and X.
