Postmatch reaction: Grand Canyon coach discusses near upset of No. 7 USC

No. 7 USC survived the upset bid and in the process prevented Grand Canyon from getting one of its biggest wins in program history.

USC after losing the longest overtime game of the season rallied to defeat Grand Canyon 23-25, 25-15, 25-21, 33-35, 15-9 in its season-opener on Wednesday in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Trojans out-hit the Antelopes .256 to .173, including holding Grand Canyon to a match-low negative-.105 attack percentage in the decisive fifth game. In addition, USC All-American setter Micah Christenson following his off-season playing for the U.S. Men’s National Team had a match-high 52 assists and the match-winning ace against the Antelopes.

Outside attacker John Shaefer in the loss finished with a match-high 20 kills. This also first match with Grand Canyon for Shaefer, a former All-Conference Carolinas selection who transferred in the off-season from Limestone.

Check out Off the Block’s postmatch interview with Grand Canyon coach Jeremy Price as he discusses the near upset of USC and the statement this match made about the growth of his program.