NGU ended its Arizona road trip with a 3-0 loss to the Phoenix of Ottawa University in Surprise, Arizona. Coming off a huge upset, the Crusaders were unable to take a set in the match, posting a .092 attack percentage. Jackson Gilbert stood out from the rest with 13 kills and 32 total attacks.

The Crusaders would struggle to begin the match to trail by five, but would fight back to cut the deficit to two. However, a 9-2 run by the Phoenix would seemingly put the set out of reach with a score of 22-13. That would not be the case though as NGU would post a 12-2 run to take a 25-24 lead. Extra points would be required, but Ottawa eventually was able to string two points together to take the opening set with a score of 29-27.

OUAZ would get off to another strong start to begin set two to lead 11-6. A 5-1 run by NGU would follow, but Ottawa would take the momentum back and run away with set by going on a 13-2 run to win the second set with a score of 25-13.

Set three began on an even note, with neither team able to pull away early on. Ottawa would slowly but surely build a lead and would began to pull away with a 7-1 run to lead 13-6. The Crusaders put up a fight, but couldn't close up the gap, eventually allowing the Phoenix to take the final set with a score of 25-17.

North Greenville will take on the Blue Knights of Urbana University on Tuesday, March 10th in Tigerville.